Long waits at Brussels Airport cause concern before Easter

Passengers at Brussels Airport are facing long queues, with some missing their flights due to delays at border control.

Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele has called the situation “unacceptable” and urged Interior minister Bernard Quintin to take immediate action. He warned that with the Easter travel rush approaching, an emergency plan is urgently needed.

The disruption is linked in part to the rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces passport stamps with biometric checks such as fingerprints and facial scans. The system has slowed processing, especially for non-EU travellers, many of whom must now go through manual checks.

In recent days, nearly 600 passengers reportedly missed their flights and waiting times reached up to two hours at departure and over three hours on arrival. The suspension of e-gates for travellers from countries including the UK and US has added to the delays.

Airport officials have asked Belgian authorities to push for a more flexible and gradual introduction of the system. They also stress the need for increased staffing at border control, pointing to shortages in the federal police.

EU officials, talking to Politico, acknowledge there may be delays during the transition but insist the system will improve over time. Temporary suspension during peak travel periods, such as Easter, remains an option.

For now, travellers are advised to allow extra time, as queues are expected to remain long in the coming weeks.

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