The CTP said in a statement that it is "in constant contact with the Government, and a meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs has already been scheduled to demand clarification on what is happening at Lisbon Airport, particularly due to the failures of the new European automated border control system."

The confederation, which represents tourism companies, reiterated that these "constant" problems at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, which have been recurring since May, "put the image of national tourism in particular and the country in general in check."

The CTP emphasised that its concern has "intensified in recent days, given the problems experienced at Lisbon and Faro Airports, with long lines and waiting times."

The first phase of the new European automated external border control system (Entry/Exit System (EES)) came into effect on October 12th, without the collection of biometric data from all travelers from outside the Schengen Area, which is scheduled to begin in late November.

According to the CTP, two days later, on a Tuesday, the busiest day for non-EU passengers, "equipment failures and a lack of border police resources once again caused chaos at Lisbon Airport."