On Monday, a 15-year-old British tween faced an utterly confounding trip goof at Menorca’s Mahon Airport. He accidentally boarded the wrong flight – assuming him an abrupt, unforeseen adventure. Instead of flying back home to London Stansted with Tui, he found himself on the way to Milan, Italy.
The ordeal started when the teen went missing at the airport. With rapid response, authorities used the newly enhanced missing child alert system to start a search. The alert was cancelled as soon as officials verified that he was on his way to Milan, having already boarded a flight.
According to the media, the young person was able to get through security onto an EasyJet flight to Milan. The crime branch of the national police in Mallorca reviewed surveillance video from the departures terminal. Their goal was to find out how he was able to travel by himself on the incorrect flight.
“We are investigating with the airport and our ground handling provider at Mahon how a young passenger was able to travel unaccompanied on the wrong flight to Milan this morning.” – EasyJet spokesperson
After the young traveler landed in Milan, he was greeted by special staff from EasyJet as well as the authorities there. The airline, in partnership with Valerie and others, acted urgently to protect his well-being, immediately making travel arrangements for a family member to uplift and reunite him. His mother booked a flight to Italy, made the trip, and was able to reunite with him that same day.
“The passenger was met by our team and the local authorities in Milan and we have provided travel arrangements for a family member to meet them that day. We remain in touch with the family to offer our support.” – EasyJet spokesperson
The teenager’s cross-country adventure unfolded during a period of increased sensitivities towards airport security procedures. Observers, like many of you, have been wondering how such a colossal oversight could happen, especially for unaccompanied minors passing through crowded airports.