- Milan Malpensa is among the most impacted airports in Italy due to the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
- Non-EU travelers now face processing times up to 70% longer at border control, with wait times reaching two hours or more during peak periods.
- The EES, fully operational since April 10, 2026, requires fingerprints and facial biometrics from all non-EU arrivals and departures.
Travelers flying EasyJet routes through Milan Malpensa are facing significant delays at border control, with wait times during peak periods now reaching up to two hours. The introduction of the European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) on April 10, 2026 has added new biometric requirements for non-EU passengers, slowing processing at one of Italy’s busiest airports.
While some reports mention overnight stranding and missed connections, there is no official data confirming EasyJet-specific incidents or airline-issued accommodation vouchers at Milan airports. However, Milan Malpensa has been officially flagged by ACI Europe as one of the most impacted airports in Italy since the EES rollout.
The EES now requires all non-EU travelers, including those from the UK, to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics on entry and exit. This process has increased border control times by up to 70%, according to the European Commission and airport industry groups. Chronic understaffing and limited adoption of pre-registration tools have further contributed to bottlenecks.
If you are flying EasyJet or any non-EU airline through Milan Malpensa, you should plan for longer border checks, especially during summer and holiday peaks. Arriving early and preparing documents in advance can help reduce stress and the risk of missed flights.
Why Milan Malpensa Is Facing Long Border Delays
Milan Malpensa has been identified by ACI Europe as one of the top Italian airports experiencing severe delays due to the EES rollout. The new system, operational since April 10, 2026, requires all non-EU travelers to submit fingerprints and facial biometrics at automated or staffed border checkpoints. This process is significantly slower than previous passport checks, especially for first-time registrants.
According to the European Commission and airport industry groups, processing times at border control have increased by up to 70%. During peak travel periods, such as summer holidays, this translates to wait times of up to two hours, with the potential for four-hour delays if staffing or technology issues arise.
Chronic understaffing at border control and limited use of the Frontex pre-registration app have made it harder for airports like Milan Malpensa to manage the increased workload. Technology glitches and unfamiliarity with the new process among travelers are also contributing to bottlenecks.
Who Is Affected by the EES Delays at Milan Malpensa?
The EES affects all non-EU travelers entering or leaving the Schengen Area, including UK citizens and other third-country nationals. If you are flying EasyJet or any other non-EU airline through Milan Malpensa, you are now required to provide biometric data at border control. This applies to both arrivals and departures.
Travelers on short-haul routes, especially those with tight connections, are most at risk of missing flights due to extended border processing times. Families, elderly passengers, and those unfamiliar with the new requirements may face additional challenges.
While the EES is designed to enhance security and track overstays, the immediate impact has been longer queues and increased stress for non-EU travelers at busy airports like Milan Malpensa.
How the EES Works: New Rules for Non-EU Travelers
The EES is now fully operational across 29 European countries, including all Schengen states and four non-EU countries. If you are a non-EU traveler, you must now:
- Provide fingerprints and a facial biometric scan at border control on both entry and exit
- Register your passport data and travel history in a central EU database
- Repeat the biometric process at every new entry or exit point, unless pre-registered
The first time you use the EES, the process takes longer because your biometrics and data must be captured and stored. Subsequent trips may be faster if you use the same passport and pre-registration tools, but all travelers should expect longer processing times compared to pre-EES travel.
Timeline: EES Rollout and Impact at Milan Malpensa
The EES became fully operational on April 10, 2026, after several years of planning and phased testing. Milan Malpensa, as a major international hub, was among the first airports to implement the new system at scale. Since then, reports from airport industry groups and the European Commission have documented significant increases in border processing times, especially during peak travel periods.
ACI Europe and the European Commission have both warned that summer 2026 will be a critical test for the EES, with wait times expected to reach up to two hours during busy periods. If staffing shortages or technology failures occur, delays could extend to four hours or more.
There is no official data confirming overnight stranding or EasyJet-specific incidents at Milan Malpensa, but the risk of missed connections and disrupted travel plans is higher for all non-EU travelers using this airport.
What to Expect at Milan Malpensa: Practical Guidance
If you are flying through Milan Malpensa, especially on EasyJet or other non-EU carriers, you should plan for the following:
- Arrive at least three hours before departure, especially during summer or holiday peaks
- Prepare all travel documents, including passport, visa (if required), and any pre-registration confirmations
- Expect longer queues at both entry and exit border control points
- Monitor airline and airport updates for real-time information on delays or changes
Using the Frontex pre-registration app, where available, can help speed up the process, but adoption rates remain low. Families and groups should stay together and follow instructions from border staff to avoid additional delays.
Enforcement, Penalties, and Missed Connections
The EES is enforced at all Schengen border checkpoints, including Milan Malpensa. If you fail to complete the biometric process, you will not be allowed to enter or exit the Schengen Area. There are no official penalties for delays caused by border processing, but missed flights and connections are the traveler’s responsibility unless the airline provides rebooking or accommodation.
There is no verified information confirming that EasyJet has issued accommodation vouchers or special rebooking policies for Milan Malpensa passengers. Travelers should check with their airline for specific support options if they miss a flight due to border delays.
Travel insurance may cover some costs related to missed connections, but coverage varies by provider and policy. Always review your insurance terms before travel.
Broader Implications for EasyJet and European Air Travel
The EES rollout is reshaping travel for all non-EU passengers, not just EasyJet customers. Airlines and airports across Europe are facing similar challenges, with increased processing times, longer queues, and higher risk of missed connections. Milan Malpensa’s experience is part of a wider pattern affecting major hubs in France, Spain, Germany, and beyond.
Industry groups are calling for more staff, better technology, and wider adoption of pre-registration tools to ease the transition. Until these measures are in place, travelers should expect continued disruption and plan accordingly.
How to Prepare for EES Delays at Milan Malpensa
To minimize the risk of missing your EasyJet flight or facing long waits at Milan Malpensa, follow these steps:
Staying informed and flexible is the best way to manage the current disruption at Milan Malpensa and other major European airports.
