Lisbon Airport has suspended the rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) for three months after mounting congestion left non‑EU passengers facing long queues and extended waiting times.
Portugal’s Ministry of Internal Administration said the pause was necessary due to “worsening constraints” in the arrivals area, particularly for travellers entering from outside the Schengen zone. The temporary halt gives the airport time to increase capacity before the biometric system becomes mandatory across the EU.
During the suspension, authorities plan to add more border‑control equipment, reinforce staffing — including support from the National Republican Guard — and improve overall passenger flow.
The decision offers short‑term relief for business travellers, many of whom rely on Lisbon as a key hub for tech, finance, and international meetings. However, the airport has warned that queues may still be longer than usual while upgrades are underway.
The move follows months of pressure on Portugal’s border operations. In November, Visit Portugal’s president said he expected a new taskforce to “dramatically” reduce queues at Lisbon and Faro airports through additional staff and more e‑gates.
For now, the suspension buys time — and breathing room — before Europe’s new biometric border era begins.