Operational issues reported with police identification system at Larnaca International Airport

Legal expert Achilleas Emilianides has criticized the 'Border Express' identification system at Larnaca International Airport for frequent technical malfunctions. The automated system scans documents and photographs passengers, issuing a slip that must be manually presented to a police officer. Emilianides described the process as inefficient and contradictory to modern digitalization standards. Technical errors, such as failures to capture photos or generate valid slips, have frequently resulted in significant passenger congestion and long queues. The expert noted that the issue is long-standing and suggests that increased police staffing could mitigate delays when the technology fails. In a recent instance, passengers were redirected to an unmanned checkpoint, worsening the delays. Responsibility for the equipment lies with the Cyprus Police, rather than the airport operator, Hermes Airports. Emilianides emphasized that these ongoing issues negatively impact the country's image as a tourism destination.