Latest news with #BorderPolice
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Moment Ryanair passenger SOBS after being stopped from boarding plane because her 'hand luggage was too large'
This is the shocking moment a Ryanair passenger sobbed after being stopped from boarding a plane due to her hand luggage being 'too large'. Filmed at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria, the dramatic footage captures a tearful woman who was brought to her knees in distress as she banged on an airport door while pleading with members of security to allow her onto the aircraft. The incident is said to have taken place on Thursday, July 24, with the unnamed female passenger set to travel on a flight from Sofia to Vienna, Austria. A member of 'Border Police' staff angrily gestures to the door, while the woman appears to emotionally plead with him. Shocked passengers waiting to board a bus to the aircraft watched on as the tearful woman hit the doors separating her and the other passengers in despair. Meanwhile, three other members of staff, two of which were also seen adorning jackets titled 'Border Police', appeared to be closely monitoring and discussing the ensuing chaos. Nikolay Stefanov, who witnessed the shocking ordeal and captured the video footage, said that he believed the airline had initially offered the woman to pay extra for her baggage. However, she refused, due to her bag fitting within the sizer. Adding that the situation then 'escalated quickly', he said: 'She was pleading with us not to leave, but we were threatened that the entire flight would be cancelled if we didn't get on the bus, so passengers became frightened and left.' Mr Stafnov also claimed that another passenger, who was standing behind the woman in line, with 'no issues', was removed from the flight. When the confused traveller queried this, a Ryanair staff member was said to have remarked that 'reopening the gate risked the woman trying to get on the bus'. Mr Steafnov added: 'What shocked me most was the utter lack of compassion from the staff member, who looked right through the woman with complete indifference. Even though they could have resolved the problem, they simply refused.' The passenger also claimed that a Ryanair staff member 'deliberately hid his name badge when questioned' and attempted to confiscate a phone from a woman who was recording the incident as it unfolded. Following the shocking event, Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadjov has reportedly ordered an inspection of the airport's security cameras, according to Bulgarian news site In a statement provided to NOVA, Mr Karadjov is said to have described the behaviour of ground operator employees captured in the video as 'outrageous', reports. Mr Karadjkov also declared that the main ground operator involved was given the 'highest fine' alongside a 'verbal warning' that he could have his licence revoked were a similar situation to occur in the future. But Goldair Handling Bulgaria, who provide the ground handling services for several flights operating out of Sofia Airport, have insisted that the employee acted 'professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger'. In a statement provided to BNT News, the company said: 'All rules regarding passengers' baggage, its permissible size and the fees payable for baggage are determined solely, entirely and unilaterally by the airlines, and Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is solely obliged to monitor compliance with these rules by the airlines. 'This also applies to hand luggage, as Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is obliged to monitor the dimensions of this baggage and collect excess baggage fees, which fees are determined by and are entirely for the benefit of the airlines.' The handling company added that in this incident, their employee 'did not violate the rights of a passenger' and also did not 'behave rudely or disrespectfully'. The statement added: 'The employee only complied with the rules and procedures of the airport operator and the airline, indicating the permissible dimensions of the baggage and checking for compliance with them. 'They acted professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger.' Ryanair's hand luggage policy allows for passengers to fly for 'one small personal bag', free of charge. However, it must be sized 40cm x 20cm x 25cm and 'fit under the seat in front of you'. It comes as just last month a British couple vowed they would 'never fly with Ryanair again' after their decision to not pay extra to reserve seats ended up getting them kicked off the flight. But Goldair Handling Bulgaria, who provide the ground handling services for several flights operating out of Sofia Airport, have insisted that the employee acted 'professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger' In a separate incident, Scott McCormick and his girlfriend, Helena Boshwick, both 33, were set to fly from Birmingham Airport on May 1 to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, for a week-long break and gym mentorship event. The couple chose not to reserve seats - which typically costs between £4.50 and £33 per seat - prior to boarding as they 'didn't mind' sitting apart during the two-hour flight. The fitness mentor, from Birmingham, West Midlands, said: 'We checked in the night before and we didn't reserve a seat but you normally just get a random one. 'Me and my partner thought it's not that much of a problem if we're not sitting together for a two-hour flight, we're adults here.' He added: 'We were the first ones at the gate ready for boarding. The lady scanned our boarding passes and told us to step to the side for a second. That moment was a red flag, I thought: "There's something happening here". 'When everyone boarded, she said: "the plane is full, there's only one seat remaining and we will have to reimburse you for the other seat or you'll have to get on the next flight".' The news led to Scott and his girlfriend having a 'meltdown' as they had wanted to catch the same flight and arrive to their destination together. He explained: 'There was no compassion or care whatsoever. After going back and forth we said we're not going to take separate flights and be in separate countries for hours.' Despite the gym owner claiming that Ryanair said they would initially receive a refund for both tickets, when the couple went to the check-in desk again, they were reportedly told they still had to pay for one of the tickets - while Scott claims he never received a refund. According to the holidaymaker, one of the seats had been marked in the system as a cancelled booking, while the other was put down as a missed flight - meaning the pair would be reimbursed for one while the other had to be paid for. The couple reportedly shelled out a further £100 on a new ticket and waited four hours for the next departing flight to Palma. Mr McCormick claims the experience felt like 'discrimination,' and that the couple were singled out because they are 'young' and childfree. Ryanair later shared a response to Scott and Helena's complaints, simply saying: 'Today is a good day to separate couples onboard' Though the pair were assured that a refund would be processed for one of the tickets, Scott claims he has still not received it or heard from Ryanair. He claims the experience felt like 'discrimination,' and that the couple were singled out because they are 'young' and childfree. The fitness fanatic said he will now avoid flying with the airline due to the staff members' 'lack of compassion.' Ryanair later shared a response to Scott and Helena's complaints, simply saying: 'Today is a good day to separate couples onboard.' MailOnline has approached Ryanair, Goldair Handling, Sofia Airport and Grozdan Karadjov for comment.
Al Bawaba
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Israeli Druze storm border to aid Syrian kin — IDF steps in
Published July 18th, 2025 - 05:04 GMT ALBAWABA - On Friday, a new group of Israeli Druze tried to cross the border into Syria to help their family members as the violence in the Suwayda region got worse. The group was stopped by Israeli Border Police, who also increased security along the border. Channel 14 in Israel says that the Israeli military has been working hard to keep people from getting into places in the Golan Heights that it controls without permission. Even though there was an announcement of a truce, things are still tense on the border, and fears of new fighting are growing. The Israeli military admitted earlier that it wasn't ready for the latest waves of invasion. Among these were the crossings of about 1,000 Druze from Israel into Syria and smaller groups coming into Israel from Syria. A lot of people who came back were caught with guns, which shows how bad the security situation is. Israeli media also said that the army has been helping Druze villages in Syria with logistics. This includes parachuting goods from the sky during activities at night, which is why Israeli planes are often seen after dark. Even though there is a ceasefire, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are said to be sending medical supplies to the Druze in northern Golan and sending troops to the area to protect the land. Israel sends $600,000 in aid to Syria's Druze while Gaza starves. As Palestinian children waste away under siege and bombs, Israel finds compassion across the border but none for the millions it traps and targets in Gaza — TRT World (@trtworld) July 18, 2025 The IDF said they didn't do any airstrikes overnight in Syria, but they did say they had done air support operations in Suwayda in the past, which are said to have forced the Syrian government to pull its troops back. As a warning to Damascus, Israeli fighter jets are said to have attacked armored units and key military sites in the city, such as the presidential house, the Ministry of Defense, and the offices of the Syrian General Staff. Both overt and hidden Israeli participation has caused a lot of debate, with some saying it breaks the terms of the truce. Still, Israel keeps saying that what it does is to protect Druze villages that are in danger across the border. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
IDF attempts to curb Syrian infiltrations into Israel, return Israelis crossing into Syria
The IDF emphasized that Israel citizens crossing into Syria is a criminal offense that endangers both the public and the IDF. The IDF identified dozens of suspects attempting to infiltrate Israeli territory from Syria, the military stated Wednesday. The military and Border Police are currently working to disperse the gatherings and prevent further infiltrations Additionally, several Israeli citizens have crossed into Syrian territory from the Majdal Shams area. The military is currently working on ensuring their safe return. The IDF emphasized that this is a criminal offense that endangers both the public and the IDF. Israel's Druze announced it would cross the Syrian border Israel's Druze spiritual leadership called on its community to prepare to assist their Syrian counterparts 'by all means necessary,' calling for a general strike and national days of rage and mourning across Israel, in a statement published earlier on Wednesday. The statement, signed by Sheikh Mowafak Tarif, came after the recent escalation of attacks on Syrian Druze communities. 'Regrettably, despite explicit commitments, the IDF and theIsraeli government have taken no meaningful action to stop the killing,' the statement read. 'The leadership is calling on all members of the community to prepare by all necessary means to cross the border in order to assist their slaughtered brethren in Syria.' Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
IDF postpones evacuation of Tzur Harel outpost after operation plans leaked
Dozens of Palestinian vehicles were set on fire in the village of Burqa, near the Tzur Harel outpost, on Monday night. Hilltop youth reportedly prevented security forces from carrying out operational activities on Monday night, including blocking the evacuation of an illegal outpost in the Binyamin area of the West Bank, Army Radio said on Tuesday. According to reports, IDF and Border Police soldiers prepared to evacuate the Tzur Harel outpost, located near the Givat Assaf junction. Security sources told Army Radio that this outpost has been a source of clashes recently, and that they received reports that hilltop youth were planning to attack Palestinians in the area, leading to evacuation for security purposes. Army Radio noted that in such cases, the military does not require prior approval from the political echelon; rather, the Central Command chief has the authority to order the evacuation. The report said that the planned military operation was leaked hours in advance, allowing the hilltop youth to call for reinforcements, where they gathered to resist the evacuation. According to reports, dozens of Palestinian vehicles were set on fire in the village of Burqa, near the Tzur Harel outpost. Over the course of Monday night, the IDF held a security assessment and decided that due to the preparation by hilltop youth and desire to limit violent confrontations, the evacuation would be postponed to another time. Security forces told Army Radio that the decision to postpone the evacuation was because "it would not be wise to do this through confrontation and force." The report also cited the IDF as saying that they would investigate the leak.
Metro
11-07-2025
- Metro
Last moments of man who ran towards plane and died after falling into jet engine
These are the final moments of a man who reportedly took his own life by jumping into a plane's jet engine. Andrea Russo, 35, entered the terminal at Milan Bergamo Airport and abandoned his car before running through the airport without a ticket on Tuesday. The builder made his way to a restricted area which leads to a runway, with two Border Police officers trying to stop him. Despite grabbing hold of him, Andrea managed to free himself and ran onto the tarmac and 'threw himself into one of the two turbofans' on the Volotea Airbus A319 flight V73511 from Milan to Asturias. Footage shows him jogging toward the plane and jumping at the side of the jet engine. After crashing back down, he took a running leap towards the engine and onto the blades. Ground staff can be seen holding their heads in horror as Andrea's body falls to the floor. Police sources said the man had a history of 'drug problems', but he had been in recovery to 'try and rebuild his life'. 'We are investigating about possible relationships with the airport or the world of planes', local prosecutor Maurizio Romanelli told reporters. 'In the car with which he arrived at the airport, heaps of all kinds of material were found but we couldn't find anything that could give any kind of explanation'. Volotea Airlines said: 'A person, who was not a passenger or airport personnel, trespassed onto the runway while the aircraft was preparing for takeoff. 'Sadly, the person was struck by the engine and has passed away. The airline deeply regrets this tragic incident and extends its condolences to the family of the person involved. 'All 154 passengers on board, along with the 6 Volotea crew members, are physically safe. Passengers were promptly deboarded and taken to a designated area, where provisions were made available. More Trending 'Psychological support was also offered to both passengers and crew members. The affected passengers were rebooked on another Volotea flight that departed at 16:43h local time and landed in Asturias at 18:50h local time. 'The airline also deployed additional staff at Asturias Airport to receive passengers and provide support upon arrival. Volotea has fully cooperated with local authorities and Milan-Bergamo Airport throughout the investigation. 'The airline would like to express its gratitude to its crew for their swift response and support of passengers, as well as to its passengers for their cooperation during this difficult situation. 'The safety and well-being of Volotea's passengers, crew, and airport partners is the airline's top priority. The airline expresses its condolences once again to all those affected by this incident.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Lufthansa CEO's wife 'runs over and kills woman crossing the road' on family holiday MORE: When is the next Club World Cup and where could it be held? MORE: Superyacht stewardess found dead with throat slashed in boat's engine room
