The introduction of a new biometric border control system, designed to replace traditional passport stamps, is causing significant disruptions at airports, particularly for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Zone. Travelers are now required to register their fingerprints, take a facial photo, and scan their passports upon their first entry into the Schengen area. Although this biometric registration is intended to facilitate future entries by being valid for three years, it currently contributes to longer processing times at the checkpoints.

Reports suggest that many passengers are experiencing lengthy waits at popular airports, with some queues lasting multiple hours. For instance, Geneva airport has seen reports of waiting times extending up to three hours, exacerbating travel frustrations. This situation has triggered numerous complaints and prompted passengers to share their experiences on social media, highlighting the extensive delays and operational challenges.

Swiss border authorities and airport management have acknowledged that the integration of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) has led to significant operational challenges, particularly during peak winter travel periods associated with skiing holidays. The authorities consider the EES rollout as one of the most considerable operational hurdles in recent years, despite efforts to increase staffing and manage passenger flow effectively. The ongoing situation raises questions about the preparedness of border systems to handle the influx of travelers and the potential impact on the aviation industry overall.