What happens when new border control measures leave travelers stranded? In Milan, around 100 easyJet passengers faced this dilemma on April 12, 2026, as delays at passport control caused them to miss their flights. The implementation of the European Entry / Exit System (EES) has resulted in longer waiting times, leaving many travelers frustrated and anxious.
Passengers reported severe congestion at Milan Linate Airport, with queues stretching across terminal halls. According to an easyJet spokesperson, “We are aware that some passengers departing from Milan Linate today experienced longer than usual waiting times at passport control and we advised customers due to fly to allow additional time to make their way through the airport.” This warning came too late for many, including a family from Merseyside who arrived at the gate at 9:30 AM but were refused entry due to the delays.
The EES, which became fully operational on April 10, 2026, requires biometric registration for travelers, leading to significant processing times. The UK government had previously cautioned travelers to the Schengen area to expect longer wait times at border control due to these new measures. Passengers reported spending more time in border queues than in the air, with some waiting for up to three hours seeking assistance.
One passenger, Vicky Chapman, expressed her frustration, stating, “We got to the airport with more than enough time, and got to our gate at 9:30 AM, but we were totally refused entry through passport control.” This sentiment was echoed by many others who found themselves stranded as easyJet flights departed without them, including one flight that took off at 11 AM, leaving passengers behind despite their timely arrival.
In response to the chaos, easyJet offered free flight transfers to those who missed their flights due to border delays. However, the airline acknowledged that these delays were beyond its control and apologized for the inconvenience. Passengers are now being advised to arrive earlier than usual for flights requiring passport checks, as missed flights due to border control queues are often classified as extraordinary circumstances, limiting compensation options.
The Foreign Office has also issued guidance, stating, “You may need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.” This new requirement adds another layer of complexity for travelers, particularly those returning to the UK from Italy.
As the situation unfolds, travelers are left to navigate the challenges posed by the EES and its impact on their journeys. With the implementation of enhanced border checks by the European Union, it remains to be seen how long these delays will persist and what measures will be taken to alleviate the strain on travelers. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential adjustments to the EES process that could ease the burden on passengers in the coming days.