Milan Malpensa faces major passport control delays

Milan Malpensa Airport is experiencing significant passenger delays due to the implementation of the European Entry Exit System (EES), a new biometric mechanism for non-Schengen travelers. The transition has led to severe congestion in Terminal 1, with reports of passengers waiting up to four hours for passport controls upon arrival and up to 75 minutes for departures.

Social media footage has highlighted the chaos, showing crowded corridors and distressed travelers. The association Aeroporti Lombardi noted that these delays are exacerbated by existing staff shortages. In response to similar issues across Europe, airlines such as Ryanair have called on the European Union to extend derogations for the system, potentially until April 2027, to mitigate the impact on international travel flows.