Lisbon Airport Grapples with Extensive Delays Following New EU Passport Control System Launch

New EU Border System Triggers Airport Chaos

Lisbon's Humberto Delgado International Airport has experienced significant delays and widespread passenger frustration following the implementation of the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES). The system, which officially went live in Portugal and across the wider Schengen Area on Sunday, October 12, 2025, aims to enhance border security but has, in its initial days, led to extensive queues and missed flights, particularly for non-EU citizens.

The EES replaces traditional passport stamping with electronic records for third-country nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area. It involves the collection of biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, on a traveler's first entry.

Passengers Face Prolonged Waiting Times

The most severe disruptions were reported on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, which was described as a 'critical day' by the Public Security Police (PSP). Passengers, especially those from outside the European Union, faced waiting times exceeding 90 minutes at both arrival and departure passport control points. These prolonged waits resulted in numerous travelers missing their scheduled flights, creating a chaotic environment within the airport.

João Ribeiro, Deputy National Director of the PSP and head of the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF), acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that 'anything over 90 minutes' poses a 'risk for passengers, the experience is negative, flights are missed, and flights can be cancelled'.

Official Responses and System Challenges

Airport operator ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal addressed the issues, noting that the technical challenges of the new border control system should not overshadow the need to maintain minimal waiting times. ANA also reported problems with the RAPID systems, which are automated passenger recognition systems, with most of them 'malfunctioning'. In an effort to mitigate passenger discomfort, ANA collaborated with authorities to distribute water and food.

The Internal Security System (SSI), which coordinates the EES implementation in Portugal, initially highlighted a successful launch on Monday, October 13, but the situation deteriorated significantly by Tuesday. The increased processing time required by the EES, coupled with the high volume of international travelers, particularly on Tuesdays which are typically busy for flights to and from the Schengen area, compounded the delays.

EU Perspective and Ongoing Implementation

From a broader European perspective, the European Commission described the EES launch as a 'success', with Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, citing over 100,000 registrations across the EU in the first two days. Markus Lammert, the European Commission's spokesperson for Home Affairs, mentioned an integrated transition period of six months for the system's gradual introduction and the possibility of reverting to the old system if significant issues arise.

The EES is part of the EU's broader smart borders initiative, designed to improve security and monitor overstays among non-Schengen visitors. While the system is expected to enhance efficiency in the long term, the initial rollout at Lisbon Airport has highlighted significant 'teething problems' and operational challenges that authorities are working to address.