EES Border Delays Ryanair: 122 Passengers Stranded at Milan Airports
On April 20, 2026, the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) led to considerable disruptions at Milan airports. Approximately 122 passengers were stranded at Milan Linate due to passport control delays, while another 30 faced similar issues at Milan Bergamo Airport. These incidents highlight the immediate impact of EES on travel efficiency.
The EES requires non-EU citizens to register biometric information—this includes scanning passports, providing fingerprints, and taking facial images—at border crossings. The system was fully operational from April 10, 2026, after being phased in since October 12, 2025. Ryanair reported that due to these passport control delays on April 16, a number of passengers missed their flight from Milan to Manchester.
As a result of the EES implementation, travelers now face longer wait times at busy airports. Ryanair has advised customers to arrive early, anticipating queues that could extend significantly. The time taken to complete EES registration is estimated at just 1-2 minutes per person; however, delays in processing can lead to much longer wait times during peak travel periods.
This situation is not unique to Italy. Greece has already paused its rollout of the EES due to considerable delays experienced there as well. Such complications raise questions about the readiness of the EES system across various Schengen Area countries, which include 27 nations—excluding the UK and Cyprus.
Despite these challenges, the EES aims to replace manual passport stamping and effectively track visa-free limits for travelers entering the EU. Registration is free and lasts for three years before re-registration is necessary. However, British passport holders are currently exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.
Travelers are urged to stay informed about potential delays as systems continue to adapt. While many anticipate improvements in processing times over the coming months, the initial implementation phase has proven problematic.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these ongoing issues may affect future travel plans or if further adjustments will be made to streamline border control processes. As airlines like Ryanair navigate these new regulations, passenger experiences may vary widely depending on location and timing.