Vicky Chapman, 26, from Pensby, was one of 105 passengers held up at passport control at Milan Linate Airport as their EasyJet flight to Manchester departed
Vicky Chapman from the Wirral with partner Adam Hoijord, son Fredrik, mother Lynne Chapman and brother Dan Chapman.(Image: Supplied)
A family from Merseyside have been left stranded in Milan after an EasyJet flight departed without them on board.
Vicky Chapman, 26, from Pensby on the Wirral, had been due to fly back to Manchester this morning alongside her five year old son Fredrik and other family members following a holiday abroad, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Vicky revealed she was among 105 passengers abandoned at Milan’s Linate Airport. The 11am flight was delayed for 59 minutes while passengers were held up at passport control, but ultimately took off as the flight crew neared the end of their legally permitted working hours, the ECHO understands.
Vicky, her partner Adam Hoijord, son Fredrik, mother Lynne Chapman and brother Dan Chapman now face a wait until Tuesday before they can return home.
EasyJet acknowledged the situation but stated that the delays were beyond its control, offering an apology for any inconvenience caused.
Vicky said: “We got to the airport with more than enough time, and got to our gate at 9.30am, but we were totally refused entry through passport control. We were then told that we are a ‘no show’ on our flight because we did not get to the gate on time, even though passport control had issues and they would not let us through.”
“We were passed from pillar to post for three hours and no-one helped us. It was so hot in the airport, people were vomiting, people were almost passing out. We’re being told that Tuesday is the earliest we can get back, and that we have to fly to Gatwick. We’ve had to pay out of pocket for an Airbnb.”
The disruption follows the European Union’s introduction of enhanced border checks. The Foreign Office has cautioned that travellers may face “wait longer than usual” queues at border control points.
Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source.
EasyJet confirmed that certain passengers experienced delays at passport control in Milan, with affected travellers being advised to factor in extra time when navigating the airport owing to extended waiting periods at passport control.
The carrier stated that affected customers would be provided with complimentary flight transfers.
Earlier today, the ECHO reported that the Foreign Office had revised its travel advice for 29 European nations, including Italy, following the implementation of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
Those visiting the Schengen zone may be required to provide biometric information including fingerprints and photographs. During an initial visit to a Schengen nation, travellers could be directed to register their details at a dedicated kiosk prior to approaching the immigration desk.
The Foreign Office said: “You may need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken. EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.
“EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.” An EasyJet spokesperson said: “We are aware that some passengers departing from Milan Linate today experienced longer than usual waiting times at passport control and we advised customers due to fly to allow additional time to make their way through the airport.
“We have been doing all possible to minimise the impact of the airport queues, holding flights to allow customers extra time and providing free flight transfers for any customers who may have missed their flight including EJU5420 to Manchester.
“We 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.
“While this is outside of our control, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
