Full Breakdown
Stranded Passengers in Milan: Border Control Delays Cause Chaos for EasyJet Travelers
4/12/2026, 11:05:36 PM
Overview of the Incident
Approximately 100 EasyJet passengers were stranded at Milan's Linate Airport after missing their flight to Manchester due to extensive delays at border control. Passengers reported waiting in queues for up to three hours, exacerbated by the implementation of the new European Entry/Exit System (EESS), which has increased processing times for travelers entering the Schengen area.
Background on Border Control Changes
The EESS, introduced in October 2022, requires biometric data collection from non-EU nationals, including UK travelers, who are now treated as third-country nationals post-Brexit. This system replaces the manual stamping of passports but has led to significant delays, particularly during peak travel times. EasyJet has expressed concerns about these delays, labeling them "unacceptable" and urging border authorities to optimize processing to mitigate the impact on passengers.
Passenger Experiences
Accounts from stranded travelers highlight the severity of the situation. Kiera, a 17-year-old from Oldham, described feeling unwell and witnessing others fainting in the heat while waiting in line. After arriving at the airport well in advance, she and her boyfriend learned that their flight had departed with only 30 passengers on board. They faced additional costs of approximately £520 for new flights to Gatwick instead of Manchester, and were offered only £12.25 in compensation by EasyJet.
Adam Lomas, traveling with his family, encountered difficulties in contacting EasyJet for assistance, facing unhelpful automated responses and long wait times. He expressed frustration at the lack of support while trying to secure alternative travel arrangements for his family, which included a four-month-old baby.
Criticism of EasyJet and Airport Operations
The incident has drawn criticism towards EasyJet's operational management in light of the border control delays. While the airline attempted to hold flights and provide free transfers for affected passengers, critics argue that airlines should take a more proactive role in coordinating with airport authorities to prevent such disruptions. The inability to manage the flow of passengers through border checks has raised questions about the resilience of EasyJet's operations, particularly during high-demand periods.
Official Statements
EasyJet acknowledged the challenges posed by the border delays, stating, "We are aware that some passengers departing from Milan Linate today experienced longer than usual waiting times at passport control." The airline emphasized its efforts to support stranded passengers while reiterating that the situation was beyond its control.
Broader Implications
The chaos at Milan's airports underscores a systemic issue within European air travel, where increased border checks and rising passenger volumes can lead to significant disruptions. The incident not only affected those directly involved but also has potential ripple effects on travel plans across the UK and Italy. As airlines and airports prepare for future demand, the need for improved coordination and infrastructure to handle border processing is critical to avoid similar situations.
What's Next
As the summer travel season approaches, stakeholders in the aviation industry must address the challenges posed by border control delays. Enhanced communication and operational strategies will be essential to ensure that passengers are not left stranded due to systemic inefficiencies at border checkpoints.
