EU Border Control Changes May Cause Airport Delays for Travelers

Non-EU passport holders traveling through Scandinavian airports face longer border control queues. The European Union ended its emergency border flexibility rules on September 6, 2026. These rules allowed officers to pause biometric scans during heavy airport congestion. Border guards must now collect facial scans and fingerprints for all non-EU travelers.

This rule applies whenever travelers cross external Schengen borders. It impacts trips between Scandinavia and non-Schengen cities like Beijing or London. Aviation and travel industry bodies have warned about potential airport gridlock. The International Air Transport Association and ABTA are urging quick action. They want the European Commission to extend emergency flexibilities through winter. Without flexibilities, border congestion could severely disrupt winter travel across European airports.