Plane takes off without 100 passengers because of ‘post-Brexit border checks’

Only a small number boarded the flight.

Heavy delays were incurred due to the full introduction of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) which meant not all passengers could be processed in time to board their flight.

The flight in question was an EasyJet service from Milan Linate heading to Manchester, bringing many Brits home from time away in Italy.

Due to the way the EES works, travellers are obliged to have their photos taken and fingerprints registered on their first use of the gates.

This can take multiple minutes per passenger.

This has led to the airport and airline pointing the figure at each other for who is responsible for the passengers left behind.

EasyJet say that the situation was outside of their control as the crew operating the flight had reached the limit of their safety regulated operating hours, forcing them to take off after already delaying the flight as long as possible for the passengers.

They ended up spending over £1,600 for a connecting flight via Luxembourg.

Reportedly, out of the 156 passengers booked on the flight, only 34 managed to get on the plane.

Despite the issues, three flights to London were allowed through.

Passengers reported seeing a number of automatic gates not in use, slowing the process further.

A spokesperson for easyJet 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.”