The Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA) made a special request to the Government through a letter sent to the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Economy and Tourism. The association calls for the temporary suspension of the new European border control system (EES), fearing serious impacts at Faro Airport during the summer of 2026.
According to the Lusa news agency, the largest hotel association in the region expresses “deep apprehension regarding the implementation of the ‘Entry/Exit System’”, known as EES, a biometric registration mechanism intended for passengers from outside the Schengen area.
Suspension requested for critical months
The main demand involves the interruption of the system’s application between June 1st and September 30th. According to the same source, AHETA considers that this period coincides with the peak of tourist demand and could expose the destination to significant constraints.
The association warns of the risk of “massive protests” by passengers and operators if there are prolonged waits at Gago Coutinho Airport, in Faro, writes the news agency.
Tests have already started and summer is approaching
EES began testing in October 2025 and is scheduled to enter into full operation in April this year. According to the same source, this date coincides with the start of the high season in the Algarve, increasing the sector’s concerns.
The system is the result of an agreement between 29 countries in the Schengen area and provides for the biometric registration of citizens of third countries when entering and exiting external borders, adds the publication.
Fears after meeting at the airport
After meeting with the management of Gago Coutinho Airport, AHETA admits that the prospects for the summer of 2026 “are frightening”. The expression appears associated with the fear of greater congestion than those recorded in previous years, explains the same source.
The association anticipates a scenario that could “overcome the chaos experienced in previous years and cause irreparable damage” to the Algarve’s reputation as a tourist destination, according to the Portuguese agency.
United Kingdom at the center of concerns
Between April and October, the British market represents more than 50% of traffic at Faro airport. As it is a country outside the Schengen area, passengers coming from the United Kingdom will be fully subject to the new biometric controls, says the same source.
The impact could also extend to other long-haul markets. “The effort to diversify markets, which has helped to strengthen the attraction of tourists from the United States of America and Canada, could also be compromised”, reads the note cited by .
Precedent in Lisbon and appeal for contingencies
AHETA recalls that the Government suspended, at the end of 2025 and for three months, the application of the EES at Lisbon Airport. The decision aimed to “avoid the collapse of the operation and normalize the flow of passengers”, writes the agency.
Based on this precedent, the association urges the executive to follow the recommendations of the British Association of Travel Agents and to apply, “to the fullest extent”, the contingency measures provided for by the European Union, reiterating the request for a temporary suspension to protect the tourist summer of 2026.
Also read:
