Gate Closed? Why Not Flag Your Flight Down On The Runway Like This Couple?

If you miss your flight, you can just open up an emergency fire door and flag down the aircraft right? An Italian couple visiting Malta tried to do just that!

The two got stuck in traffic on the way to the airport, but proceeded through security and ran to the gate. When they saw that boarding had completed, they forced open an emergency fire door, ran onto the runway and began signaling to the pilots that they wished to board. They were quickly apprehended by airport security, jailed, and fined $2,500.

Thanks to Matthew from the Daily Mail for sharing with our readers. The airport had this to say regarding the incident:

It’s important to note that passengers in the departures area have already been screened for any security threats when passing through the Central Security Screening Point and hence such an incident cannot be considered to pose any security breach since passengers have already accessed the highest level of security at the airport (even though they are still within the terminal building). The actions of the Italian couple were beyond the airport’s control and did not result from any negligence on behalf of MIA security staff. MIA staff and partners responded to this situation immediately and effectively, ensuring that the passengers were apprehended and passed on to the police. ‘MIA regrets that a holiday to Malta had to end in this way but reminds passengers that safety and security are of the utmost importance at any airport and such issues cannot be dealt with lightly.’