EasyJet passengers describe EU border nightmare at Milan airport

Travelers arriving at Milan Linate were hit by hours-long biometric queues as the EU's Entry-Exit System (EES) went live, causing disruption for EasyJet customers bound for Manchester.\n\nMore than 100 passengers missed their flight after spending hours waiting at passport control, described as 'unacceptable' by the airline. Some travellers reported vomiting or fainting while navigating facial recognition and fingerprint checks that are now required for entry and exit under the EES.\n\nAirports and airlines warn that delays have spilled into operations, with passenger waiting times at peak periods reported in the two-to-three-hour range. In some cases, departure gates closed before passengers could reach them; the situation prompted fresh concern as the system becomes fully operational across the Schengen area.\n\nOne traveller, who asked not to be named, said he had to spend about £1,800 to get home after his EasyJet flight to Manchester left without him. Others faced substantial extra costs including hotel stays and alternate flights, underscoring the price of travel disruption tied to the new border checks.\n\nThe EES requires biometric data—facial scans and fingerprints—on entry to the Schengen zone and again on exit. Authorities had previously allowed suspensions if queues became intolerable, but now only partial suspensions are permitted, prompting airports to adapt while the rollout continues.\n\nTravelers are being advised to allow extra time at busy border points and to check flight status closely as carriers warn of further disruption as operators adjust to the digital border regime.

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