Key Takeaways:
- Over 80 passengers missed Ryanair flight FR2640 to Marrakesh due to border control delays at Marseille-Provence Airport.
- Frustrated travelers stormed the tarmac to block the plane, leading to a three-hour delay.
- One woman was arrested for allegedly disabling fire safety systems to access the runway.
- The incident highlights fears over new EU Entry-Exit System (EES) causing longer queues at major airports.
Chaos Erupts at Marseille-Provence Airport
This is the dramatic moment dozens of furious passengers, held up by border control, stormed the tarmac at a French airport to stop their plane from taking off without them. The incident unfolded on Saturday evening at Marseille-Provence Airport when significant delays at border control prevented over 80 passengers from reaching their gate in time to catch their flight to Marrakesh.
Ryanair flight FR2640, due to depart at 10:30 PM, eventually took off more than three hours later, leaving several registered passengers stranded. The situation reached a breaking point when a group of travelers rushed onto the runway.
Video Captures Tense Standoff
Dramatic footage shows passengers walking onto the tarmac, shouting at airport staff as they attempted to block the plane from departing. A stunned pilot is shown sticking his head out of the cockpit window, while one stranded passenger tells him: "It's not good, it's not good."
Separate footage captures a woman flailing her arms in frustration on the runway as other passengers stand impatiently in front of the aircraft. According to French broadcaster BFM, a woman has since been arrested on suspicion of causing fire safety systems to shut down to facilitate access to the runway.
Why the Plane Left Without Them
The Ryanair jet eventually departed Marseille at around 1:50 AM, leaving several travelers behind. Airport officials stated the airline was bound by operational requirements dictating that aircraft must be positioned in specific countries overnight or have crew available at certain locations the next morning.
Airport operators have confirmed an inquiry into the incident is underway, calling it an "exceptionally rare situation." Ryanair has been approached for comment.
Broader Context: New EU Entry System Sparks Fears
This event comes as millions of Brits heading to Europe this spring and summer face warnings of lengthy queues at border control. The new Entry-Exit System (EES) , which began rolling out on April 10, now requires non-EU travelers to register biometric details—such as fingerprints and facial recognition—when entering the Schengen Area.
These added checks are expected to slow processing times at some of the busiest airports in Europe, just as travel demand surges. Airports likely to be affected include:
- Copenhagen Airport
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
- Malaga Airport
A Warning for Travelers
The Marseille incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for chaos when border infrastructure fails to keep pace with passenger volumes. For travelers, the takeaway is clear: expect delays and plan extra time at airports, especially during peak seasons.
Other Recent Flight Disruptions
The incident also follows a separate Ryanair flight from Madrid to Ibiza, which was forced to reverse on the runway after a drunk passenger caused chaos onboard. On February 12, a young man refused crew instructions, leading to a more than one-hour delay. Shocking footage showed him shouting at fellow passengers, despite being told to turn off his phone.
A fellow passenger recounted: "We were boarding and already saw the young man making a scene, talking loudly on the phone, shouting. Everyone was watching him."
"He kept using his phone, and then they reprimanded him. The plane had to stop, attendants approached him, he took off his seatbelt, until a fellow passenger told him enough was enough."
What This Means for Travelers
As Europe rolls out the EES and airports grapple with rising demand, incidents like these underscore the importance of preparedness. Whether you're flying from the UK to Spain or connecting through France, arrive early and stay informed about entry requirements. The freedom of movement that defines the Schengen Area is invaluable—but it depends on efficient border management.
For now, Marseille-Provence Airport's investigation will likely seek answers. For passengers, the memory of that night—stranded on the tarmac, watching their plane taxi away—will not fade quickly.