The new Entry/Exit System (EES) border controls implemented at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport have been suspended for at least three months.
The EES rollout has caused major passenger processing congestion leading to hours-long waits for arriving travellers.
It comes after several days of disruption and long lines waiting at passport control.
The EES was partially rolled out at the airport but soon became clear the current resources and staffing levels were not able to cope.
The three-month suspension will allow staff reinforcements and training, and the tweaking of procedures if required.
The Portugal government ordered the halt of the system after talks with border force officials.
For now, pre-EES era border checks will continue.
Officials said it currently applies only to Lisbon Airport.
