6 days ago
My autistic son ran off at airport and boarded easyJet flight to WRONG country – despite not having ticket or passport
A MUM told of her nightmare yesterday after her son ran off at an airport before boarding a plane to the wrong country.
Fiona Robinson, 48, was buying souvenirs ahead of a flight from Minorca to Stansted when Ruben, 14, had an autism episode.
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Incredibly, with no ticket or passport, he got on an easyJet plane flying to Milan at 9.25am on Monday.
On landing in the Italian city, agitated Ruben was met by police and medics, taken to hospital and sedated.
Fiona flew to Barcelona, then Milan, and yesterday the reunited pair travelled home to Kettering, Northants.
Relieved Fiona said: 'You think stuff like this can only happen in the movies.
'It's been a nightmare. He has severe autism, he won't have had a clue what was happening to him. I'm just glad he's safe and sound.
'Ruben had lost his ear defenders on holiday and was getting stressed, so I told him we'd go soon. There was a big queue in duty free. Ruben said, 'Mum, I'm gonna go', then he was gone.'
He was gone for four hours before security and police realised he was airside, and plane crew confirmed he was aboard.
Mum-of-three Fiona, who has mobility issues after a knee op, said the week abroad was their first trip since Covid, adding: 'Ruben deserved a holiday but next time we'll stay in the UK.'
She is 'upset and angry' at easyJet, which is investigating.
The airline said: 'Our team and the authorities met the passenger in Milan and we provided arrangements for a family member to meet them.
'We remain in touch to offer our support.'
Travel chaos as TWO flights have mid-air emergencies within A MINUTE at major UK airport
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