Footage released on August 8 from Milan's Malpensa airport reveals massive queues of passengers as Italy braces for the peak of the summer season with the Ferragosto holiday.
European airports have become the scene of massive crowds and multi-hour waits this summer, and after footage from Tivat airport went viral on social media in early August, similar scenes are now emerging from Milan. Passengers are facing long lines both when entering and leaving countries, and the summer tourist season has further strained already overcrowded terminals.
Footage from Milan's Malpensa airport, released on August 8, 2026, shows a large number of passengers waiting in lines. The video was accompanied by the message: "Try to leave Milan", as reported by Nova.rs. Earlier, in early August, footage from Tivat became some of the most-watched on social media, with tourists complaining about the organization and slow passage through security checks.
Although the ESS system is also mentioned as a possible reason for the crowds, it is clear that airports across Europe are packed with passengers waiting in lines when entering and leaving the country.
In Italy, an additional reason for the crowds is Ferragosto, one of the most important summer holidays in the country. Although officially celebrated on August 15, for most Italians Ferragosto is not just a single day but a period that marks the culmination of the summer vacation. During this time, a huge number of people head to the coast, the mountains, and tourist destinations, while major cities increasingly empty out.
Ferragosto has its origins in the Roman Empire, and today it coincides with the Catholic feast of the Assumption. For Italians, it is traditionally the peak of summer, a period dedicated to relaxation, spending time with family and friends, and long shared meals. Many businesses, shops, and restaurants close or operate on reduced hours during this period.
Although Ferragosto plays a significant role in the Italian crowds, scenes from European airports in recent weeks show that it is not the only reason. The summer tourist season has once again attracted a huge number of visitors, and waiting times at terminals have become almost a daily occurrence. Therefore, around August 15, major crowds appear on roads, at train stations, and at airports across Italy.
Although these are not Croatian airports, Croatian travelers planning trips to Europe, especially to Italy during August, could face similar delays and crowds at airports and on roadways.
