Malta risks long queues without border control flexibility, airport boss warns. Malta International Airport's CEO Alan Borg has sounded the alarm that the country faces lengthy passport control queues unless it is granted more flexibility in collecting biometric data from non-EU passengers. Speaking to Times of Malta, Borg stated that without this flexibility, passengers could face queues exceeding 40 minutes, as seen earlier this year.

The warning comes after news emerged that Malta is among nine countries appealing to the European Commission for an extension on a mechanism allowing countries to suspend biometric data collection in exceptional circumstances. These exceptional circumstances typically refer to periods when airports are at their busiest, such as during peak summer months. Malta International Airport fully supports calls to extend this mechanism, with Borg noting that tens of thousands of passengers pass through the airport each day during these busy periods.

The new automated border system, introduced earlier this year, requires non-EU nationals to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints scanned and photographs taken. The nine countries calling for an extension have written a letter to the European Commission requesting written guarantees that the mechanism will be extended past its September 6 expiry date.

Borg's warning echoes concerns raised by other airport bosses, including the chief executive of a group of Greek airports, who described the entry/exit system as "very unpleasant for passengers" in a recent interview with the Financial Times. The system has been criticised for causing disruption to travel plans and damaging the traveller experience.

Malta's appeal for flexibility is likely to be closely watched by other countries facing similar challenges with their border control systems. With peak tourist season just around the corner, the outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for travel schedules and passenger flow in Malta.