Holidaymakers were left vomiting and passing out after enduring horrific delays at Milan’s Linate Airport. Around 100 easyJet passengers got stuck in merciless queues caused by new EU border checks.
Chaos at Milan Linate Leaves Brits Stranded
EasyJet passengers faced chaos as border control delays pushed wait times into hours on Sunday. The airline, blaming the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), delayed take-off by 52 minutes in a desperate bid to get as many travellers on board as possible. Only 30 passengers managed to board the flight, while 100 were left stranded, scrambling for alternative journeys after missing their flights. Many were only informed after their flight had already departed.
Passengers Describe Nightmare Queues and Fainting
Seventeen-year-old Kiera, an Oldham local, said that she and others arrived early but still missed their flight due to the “massive queue” at Border Control. Already feeling unwell, she said passengers began passing out and vomiting in the long wait.
“We got here at 7.30am for an 11am flight, so we were super early. At about 10.50am, they brought water to people in the queue, and when we got to the front we were told our flight had just gone,” Kiera revealed.
Her mother was forced to cough up £520 for a new return journey to Gatwick instead of Manchester. EasyJet’s compensation offer? A paltry £12.25. Wakefield accountant Adam Lomas, 33, was stuck with his wife and four-month-old baby. He slammed EasyJet’s customer service as he battled chatbots and audio problems while stuck in the airport. He said, “The airport and EasyJet have spent hours arguing about who is to blame.” Adam’s family had to book a hotel, new flights to London, and then a gruelling two-and-a-half-hour train to Manchester.
New EU Checks to Blame for Travel Chaos
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System, launched April 10, requires UK and other non-EU passengers to have their fingerprints and photos taken at borders. This biometric data replaces the old passport stamp system, aiming to crack down on overstays and crime in the Schengen Area. The UK government warned the new process could cause delays as passengers adjust. EasyJet described the chaos as “unacceptable” and urged EU border authorities to allow flexibility to ease queues.
EasyJet Responds Amid Growing Frustration
A spokesperson said:
“We are aware some passengers departing Milan Linate today faced longer than usual waits at passport control. We advised customers to plan extra time to get through the airport.” “We held flights to allow extra time and offered free flight transfers for those who missed their flights.” “We urge border authorities to use all permitted flexibilities during the EES rollout to avoid these unacceptable delays. This is outside our control, and we apologise for any inconvenience.”
Brits furious at the new “queue from hell” say summer holidays might be off the cards with these new restrictions punishing travellers before they even board.
What’s the EU’s Entry/Exit System?
- Replaces manual passport stamping with biometric data checks (fingerprints and photos).
- Applies to travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK.
- Stores data on first entry and exit to streamline future trips.
- Children under 12 need facial scans but no fingerprints.
- Aims to tackle crime and enforce 90-day limits within 180 days on EU stays.
The full system went live on April 10, causing widespread travel chaos across EU airports during the opening weekend.
