The chief executive of Fraport Greece and head of 14 Greek airports, Alexander Zinell, calls for a complete overhaul of the EU’s entry-exit system (EES), saying the current design and implementation have major problems at borders. Both outlets report that passengers have been made to wait outdoors, including on aircraft tarmacs and in intense heat, while officials carry out required checks. The Guardian adds that airports have sometimes used temporary structures such as gazebos to shield people from the sun during queues outside processing areas.
The EES requires non-EU travellers to provide fingerprints and a photograph when entering, and to have their identity verified each time they leave or re-enter the Schengen area. Zinell argues the system has “fundamental flaws,” citing the impact on passengers and questioning whether the rollout is practical in real operating conditions. The reporting reflects a broader set of criticisms from aviation stakeholders about how the new border checks are being applied and whether the procedures and infrastructure are adequate for high-traffic periods and extreme weather.
