Airlines are reporting that flights are departing with significantly fewer passengers due to lengthy queues caused by the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). Airport and airline associations have warned about the disruption, citing the new border control measures as the primary cause of delays. Passengers are facing substantial waits, leading to missed flights and reduced load factors. The issues stem from the implementation of the EES, designed to enhance border security within the EU. The system registers biometric data of travelers from non-EU countries upon entry and exit. These initial problems are raising concerns about the system's efficiency and impact on air travel. Authorities are working to address the bottlenecks, but significant delays persist.