Portugal Rolls Out Contingency Plan for Christmas Travel Amid New EES Delays at Lisbon Airport, Enhancing Staffing, Infrastructure, and Communication

Published on December 18, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, the Portuguese government has announced a comprehensive contingency plan to address ongoing airport delays caused by the new European Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES system, which has been operational since October 2025, has led to significant delays at Lisbon Airport, particularly during peak hours. These delays have sparked concerns for the upcoming Christmas period, which typically sees a surge in airport traffic.

The Ministry of Internal Administration (MEFT) has confirmed that, despite these challenges, the country is ready to handle the expected influx of travelers. The contingency plan is designed to ensure smoother airport operations and minimize disruptions during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

Impact of the European Entry/Exit System on Airport Operations

The implementation of the EES system has been a major factor in the delays at Lisbon Airport. The EES requires non-EU travelers to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, at border checkpoints. While this system is meant to enhance security and streamline immigration procedures, it has caused bottlenecks, particularly when the biometric data is processed manually.

In December 2025, the introduction of electronic kiosks was intended to alleviate some of the pressure, but technical issues on December 10 caused temporary server malfunctions, exacerbating the problem. The European Commission’s visit to Lisbon further highlighted the challenges, but the government responded quickly, working to resolve the issues and prevent further disruptions.

Government’s Response: Crisis Management Task Force and Support Measures

To tackle the problem head-on, the Portuguese government established a crisis management task force at the end of October 2025. This team includes representatives from the Public Security Police (PSP), the Internal Security System (SSI), and ANA (Aeroportos de Portugal), the authority managing Portugal’s airports. The task force’s role is to monitor airport operations daily and ensure that any issues are addressed in real-time.

As part of the contingency plan, the government will increase staffing levels at key checkpoints, improve the technical infrastructure for the EES system, and provide real-time updates to passengers regarding potential delays. These measures aim to ensure that travelers can navigate the airport with minimal wait times and inconvenience.

Key Elements of the Christmas Contingency Plan

The primary focus of the government’s contingency plan for Christmas is to manage the anticipated increase in airport traffic and ensure that the EES system operates smoothly. Some of the key measures include:

• Enhanced staffing: Additional staff will be deployed to assist with the EES processing and provide support during peak hours.
• Improved technical infrastructure: Upgrades to the EES system will be implemented to address technical challenges and improve processing efficiency.
• Real-time communication: Travelers will be kept informed of any delays or changes through real-time updates via the airport’s digital platforms.

These proactive measures are designed to ensure that travelers can enjoy a seamless and hassle-free experience during their holiday travels, despite the challenges posed by the new system.

Long-Term Solutions for Border Control Delays

While the immediate focus is on ensuring smooth operations for the Christmas season, the government is also exploring long-term solutions to address the broader challenges of the EES system. Some potential solutions include:

• Expansion of automated systems: To reduce wait times, the government is considering expanding the use of automated border control systems, which would help speed up the process.
• Increasing staffing levels: During peak travel periods, additional staff could be deployed to assist travelers, ensuring that the process runs efficiently.
• Infrastructure improvements: Continued investments in airport infrastructure are needed to handle high volumes of passengers and ensure that the EES system operates effectively.

The goal is to reduce the time passengers spend at border control, making international travel more efficient without compromising security.

Collaborative Efforts to Improve Airport Efficiency

The Portuguese government has worked closely with local airport authorities and EU counterparts to prepare for the holiday rush. This collaboration is crucial to ensuring that the airports are ready to handle the influx of travelers while maintaining security standards. The coordination with the European Commission and other EU partners will also help streamline border management during the holiday season.

Although the implementation of the EES system has been challenging, the long-term goal is to create a more efficient and secure border control process for non-EU travelers. The government remains committed to improving the system to enhance the overall travel experience for both residents and visitors.

Conclusion: A Smoother Travel Experience for the Holidays

Portugal’s government is taking decisive action to ensure that the Christmas travel season runs smoothly, despite the disruptions caused by the EES system at Lisbon Airport. With enhanced staffing, improved infrastructure, and real-time communication with travelers, the government aims to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers.

As the country continues to improve its border control processes and airport infrastructure, travelers can look forward to more efficient and enjoyable journeys in the future. With the Christmas season just around the corner, Portugal’s proactive measures will help ensure that the country remains an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers.