Ryanair Calls for Suspension of New EU Entry/Exit System in Portugal

Concerns Over EES Implementation

Ryanair, Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, has officially urged the Portuguese government to suspend the introduction of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES). The airline has expressed serious concerns that the automated IT system, designed to register travelers from non-EU countries, is not yet ready for full-scale implementation at major airports.

Operational Risks and Passenger Delays

The airline argues that the current infrastructure and testing protocols are inadequate to handle the increased processing times required by the new system. According to Ryanair, the implementation of the EES threatens to cause significant operational bottlenecks, particularly at busy hubs like Lisbon Airport. The airline has warned that without further testing and a more phased approach, passengers could face:

• Extended wait times at border control
• Increased risk of missed flight connections
• Widespread disruption to flight schedules

A spokesperson for the airline stated, 'We are calling for a suspension of the rollout to ensure that the necessary technology and staffing levels are in place to prevent chaos for travelers.'

Government and Industry Response

The European Union has been working to modernize border management through the EES, which replaces manual passport stamping with digital biometric registration. While the system aims to enhance security and identify overstayers, the aviation industry has repeatedly voiced concerns regarding the logistical challenges of integrating this technology into existing airport workflows. The Portuguese government has not yet issued a formal response to Ryanair's specific request for suspension, though discussions between national authorities and airline stakeholders remain ongoing as the implementation deadline approaches.

Conclusion

As the aviation sector prepares for the transition, the debate over the readiness of the EES continues. Ryanair's appeal highlights the tension between the European Union's security objectives and the operational realities faced by airlines and airports in managing high volumes of international traffic.