The delay of the EU’s new smart border system for visiting foreigners has been welcomed by the Airports Council International Europe (ACI), Airlines for Europe (A4E), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and Iata.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be a game changer for how the EU’s borders are managed. Iata points out there are, however, a number of issues that must be resolved to ensure a smooth roll-out and operation of the new system so that air passengers do not face disruption.
These include:
- Wider and more effective automation at national border crossing points by national authorities;
- Funding by member states to ensure sufficient trained staff and resources to manage the EU’s external border, particularly at airports;
- Making enough resources available to support new procedures by airports and airlines; and
- The need for a communications campaign to alert third-country nationals to the new requirements.
The aviation industry is fully behind the roll-out of ETIAS and is committed to working with the EU and national authorities for a successful implementation. But it is important that the EU and national authorities address industry concerns and provide efficient co-ordination for an effective implementation.
This includes EU-LISA (the agency responsible for managing ETIAS) strengthening its communications with the industry as well as with international partners like the US to ensure the IT systems are connected and compatible.
Postponing the implementation until after the busy 2023 summer period will give airlines, airports, the EU, and national authorities the opportunity to resolve these issues and ensure the system is fully tested.
