Late Passenger Stops Plane on Runway in Bold Attempt to Board
PASSENGER – A desperate passenger, after missing his flight, ran onto the runway and blocked the plane to stop it from taking off.
A 22-year-old man was taken into police custody after obstructing an airplane that was about to take off at an airport in Chile. The individual, reportedly a passenger on the flight, had arrived late and took drastic action to prevent the aircraft from departing without him.
A video shared by GMA News, credited to José Patricio, captured the intense moment when the man stood in front of the plane for nearly a minute, halting its takeoff. The aircraft, operated by Latam Airlines, was scheduled to fly to Concepción, Chile.
According to reports, the man bypassed airport security and made his way onto the runway, where he positioned himself in front of the moving plane. The pilots, who were in the process of maneuvering the aircraft, had to stop due to his sudden interference, resulting in a delay of approximately ten minutes.
Airport staff quickly intervened, with a Latam Airlines employee and a patrol vehicle arriving to remove the man from the runway. He was immediately detained and later handed over to law enforcement. Authorities confirmed that he would face legal consequences for his actions.
Typically, passengers who miss their flights must adhere to airline policies for rebooking or making alternative travel arrangements. Some airlines offer a brief grace period or a “flat-tire rule” allowing rebooking if the passenger arrives shortly after departure. If no such policy applies, the ticket may be marked as a no-show, which could also cancel any connecting or return flights.
In such cases, travelers are advised to visit the airline’s ticket counter or contact customer service to explore options, including standby seating, rebooking with a fee, or purchasing a new ticket. Travel insurance may cover missed flights in certain situations. If no alternatives are available, passengers may need to consider other airlines or routes to reach their destination.
This incident highlights the importance of arriving at the airport on time and following airline policies to avoid unnecessary disruptions or potential legal issues.
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