Image: BBC Business
Border chaos at Milan's Linate Airport left EasyJet passengers stranded after long delays. What caused this nightmare and what’s next for travelers?
GlipzoEasyJet passengers traveling from Milan to Manchester experienced a shocking ordeal on Sunday as new border control regulations caused significant delays at customs. Over 100 travelers were left stranded at Milan's Linate Airport, with many missing their flights due to lengthy queues exacerbated by the European Union's recently implemented Entry-Exit System (EES). As the clock ticked down to departure, passengers found themselves trapped in a chaotic situation that led to distress and even health emergencies, prompting some to describe the experience as a complete “nightmare.”
The turmoil stemmed from the EES, which requires third-country nationals—including British travelers—to register biometric details such as facial scans and fingerprints when entering the Schengen Zone. This new protocol aims to enhance border security but has led to significant operational disruptions since it became fully operational on Friday.
Witnesses reported harrowing scenes at the airport, including passengers fainting and others becoming ill while waiting in what EasyJet termed “unacceptable” queues. The lengthy waits, reported to be between two to three hours during peak times, created a tense atmosphere within the airport.
Carol Boon, a 59-year-old from Staffordshire who was in Milan for a hen do, said her experience was “just horrible.” Similarly, Max Hume, a 56-year-old from Leeds, recounted spending over £1,800 to secure a flight home via Luxembourg after missing his EasyJet flight.
> “It was just disgusting how they spoke to us,” Boon expressed, sharing her frustration at the lack of support from EasyJet representatives once they learned their flight had departed.
The introduction of the EES has highlighted critical issues in border processing efficiency, especially as airports brace for the upcoming summer season. According to ACI Europe and A4E, organizations representing airports and airlines respectively, the current waiting times have already begun to hinder travel plans, affecting thousands of passengers.
These measures have raised concerns about the system's readiness, as border authorities are now limited in their ability to suspend operations in response to excessive waiting times, a flexibility that was previously permitted.
Passengers have shared their experiences on social media, revealing the emotional and financial toll of the delays. Joy Oliver, who traveled with her husband, noted the chaos at border control, labeling it “absolute carnage” as they scrambled to rebook flights.
Meanwhile, Adam Hoijard from Wirral described the panic among families as they waited for hours, with tensions rising as people became increasingly frustrated.
> “We stood in the queue for hours; it was absolute madness,” Hoijard said, emphasizing the distress caused by the unpredictable nature of the situation.
In response to the chaos, EasyJet acknowledged the difficulties faced by passengers, urging travelers to allow extra time for border processing. The airline offered £19 compensation and a flight change for those affected, although many felt this was inadequate given the circumstances.
An EasyJet spokesperson stated, “We continue to urge border authorities to ensure they make full and effective use of the permitted flexibilities for as long as needed while EES is implemented.” They reiterated that the challenges were beyond their control, despite passengers expressing dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation.
As the EU's Entry-Exit System continues to roll out, it is crucial for travelers to stay informed about potential delays and prepare for longer waiting times at border controls. Experts predict that if current issues are not addressed, travelers could face more disruptions during peak travel seasons, particularly with summer vacations on the horizon.
As the situation evolves, passengers and airlines alike will be watching closely to see how border authorities respond to these challenges. The need for effective solutions to streamline border processing has never been more urgent, especially as international travel resumes post-pandemic. Will these delays be resolved in time for the summer rush, or will we see more chaos at airports across Europe? Only time will tell.
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