Flight to Manchester Departs Amidst Airport Chaos, Leaving Passengers Stranded
Chaos erupted at Milan Linate Airport when nearly 100 passengers were left stranded as an easyJet flight bound for Manchester departed without them. The incident occurred on Sunday, April 12, 2026, largely attributed to significant delays at passport control.
Flight Delays and Passenger Backlog
The Manchester-bound flight was scheduled to leave at 11:00 AM. However, extensive queues resulted in many passengers missing their aircraft. According to reports, some travelers faced waits exceeding an hour and a half at immigration.
Long Wait Times at Passport Control
- Passengers were checked through two immigration officers instead of the usual process.
- The new EU Entry and Exit System (EES) contributed to delays, as biometric registrations slowed the flow.
Impact on Passengers
Emily Benn, traveling with a group, shared her unfortunate experience. After arriving at the airport at 8 AM, they were unable to board the flight. The group has since rebooked to Gatwick and plans to spend around £400 on taxi fares back to Manchester.
Another passenger expressed frustration on social media, stating, “The 11 AM from Milan Linate to Manchester left without half the plane!” Many were forced to seek alternate travel arrangements, with some needing hotel accommodations.
EasyJet’s Response
In a statement, easyJet confirmed they held the flight for nearly an hour but had to depart due to crew time regulations. They have since offered free flight transfers to affected passengers and have urged travelers to allow extra time for border processing.
UK Government Travel Guidelines
The delays coincide with updated UK government guidance regarding travel to the European Schengen area. The new rules mandate biometric data collection for UK passport holders, a shift from the previous passport stamping method.
Key Points Regarding the EES System
- The EES is intended to record entry and exit data electronically.
- Travelers do not incur fees for biometric registration, but they should prepare for longer waits.
- The UK government cautions that this system may extend border processing times.
While easyJet continues to address the fallout from the delays, the situation highlights the growing complexities of international travel amid new regulations at European borders. The airline maintains that they will advocate for more efficient processing to mitigate future disruptions.
