Long queues at arrivals from non-Schengen countries at Prague’s airport are being driven by the recent implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES), according to a press release issued following a board of directors meeting. Newly appointed board chairman Radomír Lašák convened the Friday meeting to address the delays and presented a stabilization package aimed at streamlining the processing of travelers.
Immediate Operational Adjustments at Terminal 1
“Situaci nechceme pouze operativně zvládnout,” stated board chairman Radomír Lašák after the meeting, emphasizing the goal to establish a long-term stable process in cooperation with the Police of the Czech Republic. To address current backlogs, the airport has deployed specialized teams to assist seniors and families with children. Additional immediate measures include adjusting passenger corridors and adapting operations based on critical arrival peak maps. Furthermore, the airport will deploy an extra specialized team to provide water to passengers waiting in queues if designated wait times are exceeded.
The Border Police are also adjusting shifts to maximize presence during peak flight times. “V dobách největších letových špiček obsazujeme všechny dostupné přepážky a děláme pro to maximum,” explained police spokesperson Josef Urban. Urban noted that waiting times are frequently exacerbated by delayed or early arriving flights that cause passenger numbers to bunch up at checkpoints. Police and airport management are continuously evaluating these adjustments to maintain processing flow.
Did You Know? The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is gradually being rolled out across EU member states, having started in October 2025 before its full deployment on April 10, 2026, at the external borders of the Schengen area. The system applies to third-country nationals arriving for short stays, replacing traditional passport stamping with electronic registration that captures facial images and fingerprints.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Registration Fixes
Management has identified a high rate of incomplete electronic registrations at self-service kiosks as a primary bottleneck. “Víme, že je dosti velké procento cestujících, kteří nedokončí elektronickou registraci na kioscích,” noted Lašák. In response, the airport is collaborating with the border police to refine the border control workflow and map the passenger journey from kiosk to check-point to boost successful registrations. Additionally, discussions at the European Union level are underway regarding a pre-registration data option before arrival in Prague, alongside passenger notifications directly on board aircraft.
Looking toward future capacity, the airport plans to expand arrival passport control at Terminal 1 by April of next year. The expansion will add five standard booths and four EasyGoGates, supplementing the current 12 standard desks and nine self-service gates. According to Urban, this infrastructure growth will be accompanied by an increase of several dozen border police officers stationed at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the queues at arrivals from non-Schengen countries?
The queues are primarily caused by the introduction of the European Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires electronic registration including facial images and fingerprints for third-country nationals on short stays.
What measures is the airport taking immediately?
The airport has adjusted corridors and terminal operations based on peak arrival times, deployed dedicated assistance teams for seniors and families, and arranged for a special team to distribute water to passengers in prolonged queues.
How will border control capacity change by next year?
By April of next year, the airport plans to add five standard passport control booths and four EasyGoGates at Terminal 1, alongside the addition of several dozen new border police officers.
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