- Flight Disruptions
- EU Entry/Exit System causes hours-long airport delays in 15 EU countries
EU Entry/Exit System causes hours-long airport delays in 15 EU countries
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 16 April 2026
Disruption overview
Airports across 15 EU countries saw long queues over the weekend after the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System went live on Friday. Technical glitches and a shortage of trained border staff slowed first-time registrations for travelers from non-EU countries, leaving some passengers waiting up to 3 hours. No cancellations were announced, but the backlog caused knock-on delays to boarding and departures. Because the disruption came from border-control systems rather than airlines, compensation under EC 261 is unlikely, though airlines should still provide care and assistance during long delays.
Disruption details
Passengers flying through airports in at least 15 EU countries faced long delays over the weekend after the European Union switched on its new Entry/Exit System on Friday. For many people, that meant hours in passport lines before they could continue their trip.
The new system requires travelers from non-EU countries to register personal details and biometric data the first time they cross an external Schengen border. It was meant to modernize checks, but the launch immediately ran into technical problems and staffing gaps.
Checkpoint computers froze or processed registrations far more slowly than planned. Some border-control booths were also short-staffed because officers had not yet been certified to use the new equipment.
That slowdown quickly spread across airport operations. Queues at passport control stretched for hours, with some passengers waiting up to 3 hours. Airports did not announce cancellations, but delays to boarding and departures followed as airlines waited for late-arriving passengers to clear the new formalities.
Airlines warned that schedules could keep running late until the backlogs ease. Officials said extra technicians were working to stabilize the software, and more officers would be deployed to high-volume airports in the coming days.
The timing has frustrated the industry. The change went live at the start of the busy spring travel season, and carriers argued that member states were not given enough extra support to handle a continent-wide rollout smoothly.
Because the disruption was caused by border-control systems and staffing issues rather than an airline decision, compensation under EC 261 is unlikely. Still, if your journey was heavily delayed, your airline should help with care and assistance such as:
Meals and refreshments during long delays.
Accommodation and transportation to it if you are delayed overnight.
Rerouting or a refund if your flight is canceled or seriously disrupted.
Communication support, such as phone calls or emails, depending on the delay.
Although compensation is unlikely here, that doesn’t mean you’re without support. If your flight was delayed or your plans changed because of these airport backlogs, you can use AirHelp’s free flight checker to understand your rights and see whether compensation could still apply.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays
Cause
IT problem
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
16 April 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
