Athens, May 14 – The implementation of a new European Union entry/exit system in April has led to notable delays for travelers at Athens International Airport, particularly for those arriving from non-Schengen countries. While the new measures aim to enhance border security, they have inadvertently caused longer queues and increased waiting times at passport control.
Increased Waiting Times for Non-Schengen Travelers
The new security protocols, which commenced on April 10, include more rigorous checks such as fingerprinting and photographing travelers from outside the Schengen zone. Prior to these changes, passengers typically cleared passport control in approximately 20 seconds. This average has now extended to about a minute and a half, with some travelers experiencing delays of up to two and a half hours during busy periods.
Tanisha, a recent visitor from the United States, shared her experience with Kathimerini, stating, “The feta I tried in the airport lounge was amazing, maybe the best I’ve ever had. If I had to mention one bad thing, though, it would be the long wait at passport control. It took nearly two and a half hours to get through.”
Peak Hours See Greatest Impact
Sources within the transport sector have indicated that the duration of delays is heavily dependent on the time of day. “If it’s between noon and 2 p.m. when we have 15 airplanes coming in from countries outside the Schengen zone, then pressure cannot be avoided,” a source told Kathimerini, highlighting the challenges faced by Greece’s largest airport during peak arrival times.
Currently, the busiest days see approximately 6,000 non-Schengen passengers passing through passport control. This number is expected to surge to over 15,000 daily during the peak summer tourism season, from mid-July to mid-August. “As the flight schedule intensifies, waiting times are expected to rise,” sources confirmed, adding that complaints so far have primarily been about inconvenience rather than missed flights, a contrast to some other European airports.
Airport Responds with Mitigation Strategies
Anticipating the escalation in traveler numbers and potential for increased disruption, Athens International Airport has begun implementing measures to alleviate the situation. The airport has bolstered security desks specifically for arrivals from its primary tourism markets, including the US, Canada, Australia, China, and India. Furthermore, the process for British travelers, who constituted nearly 5 million visitors to Greece in 2025, has been streamlined, exempting them from biometric data registration.
In the coming months, the airport plans to deploy automated kiosks, which are expected to provide much-needed relief and improve the efficiency of airport operations. These technological advancements aim to reduce the manual processing time and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Broader Implications for Greek Tourism
While the immediate impact is felt at the airport, the long-term effects on Greece’s vital tourism industry remain a concern. As the summer season progresses, the ability of Athens International Airport to efficiently process a growing volume of international travelers will be crucial for maintaining Greece’s appeal as a top tourist destination. The authorities are working to balance enhanced security with the need for smooth and timely passenger flow to ensure a positive experience for all visitors.
Source: https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1303694/passport-security-changes-bring-delays-at-athens-airport/
