Italians run out on airport apron to stop Ryanair flight

Italian couple charged with breaching airport security when the two dashed out the airport apron on Wednesday, in a bid to stop a Ryanair aircraft leaving for Italy without them.

Matteo Clementi and girlfriend Enrica Appollonio breached open a fire security door to run out on the MIA apron and stop a Ryanair flight
Matteo Clementi and girlfriend Enrica Appollonio breached open a fire security door to run out on the MIA apron and stop a Ryanair flight

Italian couple Matteo Clementi, 26 and his 23-year-old partner Enrica Apollonio were charged with breaching airport security when the two dashed out the airport apron on Wednesday, in a bid to stop a Ryanair aircraft leaving for Italy without them.

It took them almost two hours to get to the airport from their Paceville hotel, the couple the court of their ordeal.

They said that they checked in and ran towards the gate but the hostesses refused to let them in because the gate had been closed. So the two made a dash for the next gate, forced open the security door, ran down to the apron and began signalling to the pilots to let them onto the plane. The plane was still parked but its engines were running and the stairs had been removed. The two were arrested by security staff who ran after them.

The couple admitted in court of breaching the restricted zone without authorisation.

With fines starting from €2,329 or imprisonment of up to two years for such security breaches, defence lawyer Robert Montalto argued that his clients had no money to pay the hefty fine so requested the court to impose a suspended prison term given that they were first time offenders.

Prosecuting inspector Silvio Magro objected to the suspended sentence, saying it would send a message that security breaches at MIA were treated lightly.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke imposed the minimum fine possible on the Italians and accepted their lawyer’s request for the fine to be paid in instalments. 

In a statement, MIA said the passengers in question breached one of the emergency fire doors in order to access the apron. It said their actions were beyond the company’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.”