Navigating the EES Era: How Smarter Interactive Kiosks and Maps Can Prevent Airport Gridlock

EES Launches Across Europe: What That Means for Airports

Yesterday marked a major milestone for European airports: the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) officially went live. For non-EU travellers, this means new biometric checks, fingerprints and facial scans, every time they enter the Schengen Area.

If you’re an airport operator, this is more than just a procedural change. Longer lines, new queues, and passengers who aren’t sure what to do are already appearing at terminals. Even the most experienced staff will feel the pressure as they try to manage both compliance and passenger satisfaction.

For travellers, it’s unfamiliar territory. Even a few extra minutes per passenger can add up fast, turning arrival halls into bottlenecks. The stakes are high: a smooth flow keeps flights on schedule, reduces stress, and leaves passengers with a positive impression.

The Power of Interactive Kiosks and Maps

Static signs are no longer enough. Today’s travellers expect more than arrows on a wall. They need guidance that responds to real-time conditions and can help them navigate a changing environment.

This is where interactive kiosks and digital maps, alongside a dynamic digital signage ecosystem, shine. Imagine a system where a traveller can approach a kiosk, see which biometric lanes are shortest, get step-by-step instructions for using a new EES kiosk, and view alternate routes if a lane closes unexpectedly. Digital maps can highlight the path visually, making it clear even for first-time visitors who might be anxious or confused.

The impact goes beyond navigation. Airports using these systems can reduce congestion, prevent bottlenecks, and help passengers feel in control of their journey, all while complying with the new EU regulations.

Building Passenger Confidence

The first few weeks of EES rollout are critical. Questions will flood both staff and travellers: “Which lane do I need?” “Do I have the right documents?” “Where do I go next?”

Interactive kiosks and maps can answer these questions before staff are approached. Multilingual displays, intuitive visuals, and real-time updates replace guesswork with clarity. Passengers feel confident because the airport communicates clearly at every step, and staff can focus on helping where it truly matters.

It’s also a branding opportunity. Airports that guide passengers efficiently during this transition demonstrate innovation and reliability, leaving a lasting positive impression that can influence travellers’ choice for future trips.

One Platform to Keep Everything in Sync

To make this work, airports need more than standalone kiosks or scattered digital maps. They need a cohesive platform that connects every point of passenger interaction.

Platforms like Acquire Wayfinder + StudioDX allow operators to manage all interactive kiosks, maps, and instructional content from easy-to-use CMS platforms. If a queue suddenly surges or a lane closes, the system updates instantly across every screen. The result? Passengers move seamlessly, lines stay manageable, and the airport operates efficiently even under sudden pressure.

Real-World Impact: Examples in Action

Airports like Schiphol have already started experimenting with this approach. Their interactive kiosks guide travellers to the correct EES lanes and provide step-by-step instructions. Digital maps overlay real-time congestion data so passengers can choose the fastest path. The result is fewer complaints, smoother flow, and staff freed up to handle more complex issues.

Imagine scaling this across an entire airport, integrating with flight data and operational updates. The possibilities for improving both passenger experience and operational efficiency are enormous.

Bottom Line

EES went live yesterday, and the first wave of travellers is already facing new processes. Airports that embrace interactive kiosks and maps as part of the operational system, rather than decorative signage, are the ones that will thrive.

These tools aren’t just “nice to have” anymore. They’re essential for keeping passengers moving, staff stress-free, and flights on schedule.

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Is your airport ready for the EES era? Discover how Acquire’s interactive kiosks and digital maps can turn yesterday’s compliance challenges into a seamless passenger experience.