EasyJet passengers stranded Milan: What is the new EU entry-exit system, when was it introduced?
Passengers were reportedly left ‘vomiting and passing out’ at Milan's Linate airport after queuing for up to three hours.
More than 100 EasyJet passengers were left stranded in Milan after a flight to Manchester took off without them after they were left queuing for up to three hours due to the chaos of the new EU entry-exit system. According to the BBC, “people had been vomiting and passing out in the heat and now did not know how they would get home.”
EasyJet told the BBC that “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.
"We have been doing all possible to minimise the impact of the airport queues, holding flights to allow customers extra time and providing free flight transfers for any customers who may have missed their flight including EJU5420 to Manchester.
"We continue to urge border authorities to ensure they make full and effective use of the permitted flexibilities for as long as needed while the European Entry / Exit System is implemented, to avoid these unacceptable border delays for our customers.
"While this is outside of our control, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused."
On April 1, 2026 EasyJet issued a statement about how border checks may affect queue times. The statement read: “Airports across Europe may experience longer queues at passport control whilst the new European Entry /Exit System (EES) border checks are being completed. This will mean you may need to have your biometrics taken including your face and fingerprints scanned.”
Before the EU entry-exit system was put in place, visitors arriving in the EU had their passports manually stamped.
The EU entry-exit system (EES) was brought in October last year, but on April 10, it became fully operational. The government announced that “The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025. This is a new digital border system that has changed requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.”
The government also advised passengers that on their first visit to the Schengen area, they “may be asked to create a digital record at the port or airport on arrival. You may be asked to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths. You don’t need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country.”
Which countries are in the Schengen area?
The countries in the Schengen are are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Countries that are not in the Schengen area include the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus.