Easyjet leaves 100 behind in border check queues

Approximately 100 travelers were left behind at Milan’s Linate Airport after their scheduled Easyjet flight to Manchester departed without them. The delay stemmed from prolonged border control checks, with passengers facing waits of up to three hours. Stranded individuals reported extreme heat causing health issues, including nausea and fainting, as they remained unable to board.

One affected passenger, Kiera, 17, from Oldham, described the ordeal to the BBC. “We arrived at seven-thirty for an 11 a.m. flight and were early,” she said. “At the border, the queue was massive. I wasn’t feeling well, probably from food poisoning. Around ten-fifty, they gave us water, but by the front, we learned our flight had already left.” She noted that only about 30 people managed to board, while roughly 100 were left waiting. Kiera added that her mother had spent £520 on emergency flights to Gatwick, not Manchester, and the compensation offered by Easyjet—£12.25—was insufficient for even a sandwich.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience caused,” said a spokesperson for Easyjet. “We advised customers to allow extra time due to passport control delays and held flights to accommodate those stranded. However, the situation was ‘beyond our control’ as the airport and border authorities debated responsibility.”

Adam Lomas, 33, an accountant from Wakefield, shared his experience with his wife Katy, 31, and their four-month-old daughter. “We sat at the airport for hours, trying to reach Easyjet but only got chatbots,” he explained. “Audio issues prevented them from hearing me, and after a few minutes, they disconnected. We’re now seeking a nearby hotel and planning to book a flight to London before returning to Manchester, as our daughter’s baby seat was already there.”

The European Entry/Exit System (EESS), introduced in October last year, is blamed for the delays. The UK government updated its guidance this week, stating travelers to the Schengen area might need to register biometric data like fingerprints and photos upon arrival. It clarified that no pre-departure actions are required, and there is no cost associated with EES registration. However, the system has increased border processing time, leading to extended waits for passengers.

Some travelers, like those who drove to Pisa, opted for alternative routes to avoid further delays. Easyjet reiterated its efforts to mitigate the impact, offering free transfers for missed flights. The airline urged border authorities to utilize available flexibilities to reduce future disruptions, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the EESS rollout.

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