Lisbon, Oct. 14, 2025 (Lusa) - Airport operator ANA said on Tuesday that the technical challenge of the new border control system must not take priority over ensuring that maximum waiting times are kept to a minimum and pointed to problems with the RAPID systems.
"The technical and coordination challenge of this evolution cannot, however, put on the back burner the need for these entities to ensure that passengers have a maximum waiting time at the borders, similar to the service levels required for the processes under ANA's responsibility," he said in response to Lusa.
The PSP recognised that today was "a critical day" at Lisbon airport, with passengers from outside the European Union (EU) waiting more than 90 minutes for departures and arrivals due to the new control system.
Since Sunday, the new European border control system for non-EU citizens has been in operation in Portugal and the rest of the Schengen area, recording the entry and exit of travellers from third countries electronically and indicating the date, time, and border crossing point, replacing the traditional passport stamps.
ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal also said that most of the RAPID systems, which automatically recognise passengers, "have been malfunctioning".
The airport operator said it was collaborating with the authorities to support passengers, "as far as possible", by distributing water and food.
On the other hand, the company said it hoped that the competent authorities' reinforcement of resources would allow for the "implementation of a maximum waiting time commitment at the country's borders".
On Monday, the Internal Security System (SSI) emphasised the success of the new system's launch. Still, today the situation has changed, with tens of thousands of foreign citizens from outside the EU arriving and departing at Lisbon airport.
According to the head of the PSP's National Aliens and Borders Unit (UNEF), Tuesday is the day with the most flights to and from the Schengen area (the European area for the free movement of people and goods). The new Entry/Exit System (EES) requires "a longer processing time at the border".
"Today, looking at the time I've been in this role for over a year, is proving to be the most challenging day to date due to the volume of departing and arriving passengers, which is requiring a great deal of effort and commitment of resources," João Ribeiro emphasised.
The deputy national director of the Public Security Police stressed that "anything over 90 minutes" is a "risk for passengers, the experience is negative, flights are missed, and flights can be cancelled".
The system, which works in airports and ports, also allows for the "automatic detection of overstays in the Schengen area", as well as interoperability with "other European databases".
In Portugal, the system is being implemented by the SSI, in liaison with the PSP, GNR, ANA, port administrations and the National Civil Aviation Authority.
PE/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
