Latest news and stories about travel disruptions in europe in Portugal for expats and residents.
The European Union is rolling out a new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) at borders, which is expected to cause significant travel disruptions. Airports in Portugal, including Lisbon and Faro, may face long queues and flight delays as the new digital verification process is implemented during the busy summer season.
The European Commission has confirmed that Portugal will temporarily suspend the collection of biometric data for the Entry/Exit System (EES) at national airports when necessary. The measure aims to prevent excessive queues during peak travel times, with the government notifying Brussels of the planned suspensions.
The Entry/Exit System (Sistema de Entrada/Saída or EES) is an automated IT system for registering travelers from non-EU countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travelers, each time they cross an EU external border. It replaces the manual stamping of passports and is designed to improve security and identify overstayers within the Schengen Area.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that Europe has only about six weeks of aviation fuel reserves remaining due to the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Executive Director Fatih Birol described the situation as the largest energy crisis ever faced, noting that flight cancellations may occur soon if supply chains remain disrupted. The European Commission is currently gathering data on refinery capacity to develop an emergency response plan.
The International Energy Agency (Agência Internacional de Energia or AIE) is an intergovernmental organization that provides analysis and data on global energy markets. Based in Paris, it works to ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy for its 31 member countries, including Portugal.
EU institutions failed to reach an agreement on air passenger rights reform during overnight negotiations but have committed to continuing discussions today.
CNN journalist Clarissa Ward reports significant travel chaos and long queues at Lisbon Airport attributed to the implementation of the new EU Entry/Exit System biometric scanning requirements.
Portugal has temporarily suspended passport checks for British travellers to alleviate significant airport congestion and border delays, reflecting broader systemic challenges within the Schengen Area.
Portuguese authorities have officially declined requests to suspend the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) at airports during the peak summer season, maintaining their commitment to the new regulatory framework despite concerns over potential travel disruptions.
Germany has joined a growing list of European nations experiencing significant jet fuel shortages and logistical disruptions, attributed to the cessation of critical Middle Eastern supply chains and the strategic closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Portuguese airports have been experiencing several constraints in passport control since the introduction of the new European Union entry and exit system. Why is this happening?
The European Commission confirms that Portugal is resorting to temporary suspensions of biometric checks at airports during peak traffic situations, and insists that it is up to the country to ensure the resources for the new system to function.
French police have temporarily suspended additional European Union (EU) border controls at the port of Dover in south-east England due to two-hour delays for ferry passengers caused by hot weather. The Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces passport stamps with digital registration, is facing its first peak period since implementation. The port of Dover confirmed that French Border Police (PAF) invoked a clause in the EES regulation to reduce processing times. With temperatures reaching 29°C, long queues formed at the terminal, a popular route for British tourists. Meanwhile, EasyJet has urged EU countries to abandon the new rules, citing concerns over long delays, while the Portuguese government has described airport queues as a 'European problem' following dissatisfaction with border service performance.
According to German specialist media, the main problems have been related to technical failures, system adaptation, and staff shortages during peak periods.
The European Commission has rejected claims that the recent delays and queues at Portuguese airports are caused by the implementation of the new European entry and exit system.
