Travel industry fears summer disruption from new biometric checks

Theguardian reports that travel industry leaders have urged the European Commission to tell border authorities to stand down the new entry-exit system (EES) if needed, amid warnings of summer disruption. European airports have cautioned of a potentially "disastrous" passenger experience and huge queues unless the new biometric controls for foreign visitors are relaxed.

Most British holidaymakers to Europe will need to be fingerprinted, photographed and registered, and UK firms say there has been wide divergence in how the rules have been applied since the scheme's soft launch. The staggered start has already produced long queues; states currently only need to register a minimum 35% of travellers, but in theory all passengers are due to complete EES registration from 10 April.

Border authorities are allowed to reduce checks or stand down the system to avoid significant disruption, and much of the infrastructure was in place before last October's launch, including at Eurotunnel in Folkestone and St Pancras station in London.

United Kingdom, Folkestone, London