Passenger escapees fled from back of plane while officials guarded front of the aircraft

The four passenger escapees managed to evade members of the Armed Forces and Immigration Police on Thursday by jumping out from the back of the aircraft while members of the disciplined forces were stationed at the front of the airplane, the Malta In

By: independent.com.mt

Jan 02 2025
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From these four, two have been caught while the other two remain on the run. Police and Armed Forces of Malta personnel are involved in the manhunt at the airport and in the surrounding areas.

The quartet was able to escape and flee from their airplane after the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing, after a Moroccan passenger requested medical treatment.

Shortly after the Turkish Airlines flight TK619 landed at Malta International Airport on New Year's Day, at 12:03pm, immigration police and emergency vehicles dispatched from Mater Dei Hospital arrived at the scene.

According to an official MIA statement, the immigration police approached the aircraft from its stairs located at its front. These stairs were then manned by members of the Armed Forces. This was done as per standard procedure of this granted medical diversion request.

During this procedure, the Immigration Sergeant requested "special de-boarding arrangements" which include the opening of just one aircraft door, the use of a single set of steps, and the presence of the AFM.

The escapees were seen running across the airport apron, towards the runway, shortly after the ambulance left for the hospital.

The escapees had jumped down from the aircraft, having opened the rear door without authorisation, evading the AFM guards stationed at the front of the aircraft. Air Traffic Control was immediately informed, and Runway 13-31 was closed as a safety precaution. It was subsequently confirmed via CCTV footage that the four escapees had jumped over the perimeter fence, MIA said.

The runway was then re-opened 79 minutes later at 13:22. The aircraft was later cleared for departure by the Aviation Security Department (AVSEC) and the Immigration Police just over an hour later, at 14:24.

The runway was reopened at 13:22, and the aircraft was cleared for departure by AVSEC and the Immigration Police at 14:24. Throughout the incident, all coordination procedures with State Authorities were adhered to, it said. "Malta International Airport remains committed to supporting the State Authorities with their investigation."