![\"Breaking](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2236679769-e1776165649353.jpg\")
\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\tTuesday 14 April 2026 2:51 pm\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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Days into the European Union\u2019s new Entry\/Exit System (EES), British passengers are facing severe delays, resulting in missed flights, but with the Summer season around the corner, warnings that trying to pass the border may become more costly.<\/p>\n
The new EES obliges non-European Union nationals, including Britons, who enter the Schengen free travel zone to register biometric information, including facial scans and fingerprints.<\/p>\n
Once a traveller\u2019s details are registered, the digital EES record is valid for 3 years. <\/p>\n
However, the roll-out has not gone smoothly, with reports of long queues, staff shortages and tech failures at kiosks. <\/p>\n
So much so that over 100 people missed their Easyjet flight to Manchester from Milan\u2019s Linate airport on Sunday while stuck in a \u2018nightmare\u2019 passport control queue.<\/p>\n
Easyjet said it held the flight for nearly an hour to give passengers extra time, but it had to depart afterwards because the crew had reached their safety-regulated operating hours. <\/p>\n
The airline added that this was outside its control, but added that \u201ccustomers who missed the flight have been offered a free flight transfer\u201d. <\/p>\n
Although some passengers told the press they were forced to pay over \u00a31,000 for last-minute alternative flights to get home. <\/p>\n
Waiting times reaching two to three hours <\/p>\n
Despite new Brexit agreements enabling Brits to access fast-track e-gates, the EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries and to reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\tRead more<\/p>\n
\t\t\tBritish Airways, Easyjet shares soar as Iran ceasefire brings relief for airlines<\/a><\/p>\n With 29 European countries expected to comply with the EES, including popular Summer destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and France, delays are expected to worsen. <\/p>\n A spokesperson for Easyjet added: \u201cWe 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, to avoid these unacceptable border delays for our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n But who is liable if you are stuck in a queue? The short answer is the passenger. <\/p>\n Airlines are responsible for the delays they cause, including mechanical issues, crew problems, and technical issues. Problems with the visa system, however, are outside their remit.<\/p>\n Some flights may wait or offer passengers on another flight, but this is a courtesy, not a right. <\/p>\n