In a statement, the Government justifies the reinforcement of contingency measures at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon with “the worsening of constraints in the arrivals area” for non-European passengers coming from outside the Schengen area due to the evolution of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) of the European Union.
“Considering the need to implement and reinforce the contingency measures defined in September so that it is possible to achieve in the arrivals area the reduction in times already achieved in the departures area,” the Government has determined “the immediate suspension for three months of the application of the EES computer system, under European regulations” at Lisbon airport, says the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI).
The MAI adds that there will also be an “immediate reinforcement” of GNR personnel with certified training in border control.
The ministry also indicates that “the capacity of electronic and physical equipment for controlling external borders will be increased by approximately 30% to the maximum supported by the current airport infrastructure.”