EasyJet Passengers Stranded in Milan Due to Border Control Queues
Dozens of EasyJet passengers found themselves marooned in Milan on Sunday after missing their flight to Manchester, a consequence of lengthy queues at border control. Around 100 individuals were due to depart on an EasyJet flight but faced waits of up to three hours at Milan Linate Airport.
Passenger Accounts of Distress
Passengers described a chaotic scene, with some reportedly vomiting and passing out amidst the heat. Kiera, a 17-year-old from Oldham, recounted missing her flight despite arriving hours early, only to be informed at the front of the queue that her plane had already departed. She and her boyfriend face a 20-hour wait for an alternative flight to Gatwick, at a significant personal cost. Kiera was offered just £12.25 in compensation from EasyJet, which she deemed insufficient to even cover a sandwich at the airport.
Adam Lomas, a 33-year-old accountant from Wakefield travelling with his wife and four-month-old daughter, also expressed frustration, detailing difficulties contacting EasyJet and the additional expenses incurred for new flights and accommodation. He observed an ongoing dispute between the airport and EasyJet regarding accountability for the delays.
EasyJet Blames New EU System
EasyJet has stated the situation was “outside of our control,” attributing the delays to the implementation of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES), which came into force in October last year. The airline described these border delays as “unacceptable” and urged border authorities to utilise permitted flexibilities to mitigate the impact on passengers.
The UK government recently updated its guidance for travellers to the Schengen area, advising them to be prepared for longer waits at borders due to the EES, which requires biometric registration. While EasyJet has offered free flight transfers for affected customers, the lack of immediate solutions and the financial burden placed on passengers highlights ongoing challenges with the new system's rollout.