More than 100 passengers missed an easyJet flight from Milan Linate (LIN) to Manchester (MAN) after being caught in lengthy queues at passport control following the rollout of the EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES).
easyJet Passengers Face Costly Journeys Home
Travellers described scenes of confusion and distress as biometric checks, including facial recognition and fingerprint scans, led to delays of up to three hours. Some passengers reported people fainting and falling ill while waiting in crowded conditions.
Airlines and airport bodies across Europe have warned of disruption since the system became fully operational last week, with peak-time delays affecting departures and arrivals, according to the BBC.
Stranded passengers said they were forced to make costly alternative travel arrangements after missing their flight. Carol Boon, who was travelling with friends after a weekend in Milan, said,
“It was just horrible,” adding, “People were arguing, someone fainted, someone was sick.”
Another passenger, Max Hume, said the situation was “awful, just a mess”, adding he spent more than £1,800 to return to the UK via Luxembourg after missing the original service.
Industry Warns of Ongoing Disruption
easyJet said the flight had been held to allow additional boarding time and offered free transfers, but maintained the disruption was beyond its control.
The EES requires non-EU travellers, including UK passengers, to register biometric data when entering and exiting the Schengen zone.
“Waiting times of two to three hours are being reported during peak periods,” a spokesperson for the organisation said.
Aviation groups including ACI Europe have warned the system is already placing pressure on border infrastructure.
Have you faced delays under the new EU border system? Share your experience and tell us how it impacted your journey.
