Family Leaves 10-Year-Old Son at Barcelona Airport After Realizing Passport error
Table of Contents
Barcelona, Spain – A Spanish family traveling from Barcelona El Prat International Airport (BCN) inadvertently left their 10-year-old son at the terminal after discovering a passport issue, according to reports surfacing on social media and confirmed by airport authorities. The incident, which occured on [Insert Date – research current date], sparked outrage and concern after an air traffic controller shared a video on TikTok detailing the situation.
Details of the incident
The family, whose names have not been released, reportedly realized their childS passport was not valid for travel as they were preparing to board their flight. In a panicked attempt to avoid missing their departure, they allegedly left the child at the terminal, intending for a relative to return and collect him.
The air traffic controller, identified as [Insert Controller Name – research if possible], posted a video on tiktok showing the unattended child. The video quickly whent viral, amassing over 500,000 views and prompting an investigation by airport security and local police.
“As a controller, I’ve seen a lot, but this is completely surreal,” the controller stated in the tiktok video. “To leave a 10-year-old child at the terminal,hoping a relative will come and get him in one,maybe three hours… they just left the child.” The controller, a mother herself, expressed disbelief at the family’s actions.
Police Intervention and Family Statement
Airport personnel alerted the police, who located the parents on the plane before takeoff.While authorities have not confirmed any arrests, the family was questioned at the terminal. They reportedly told police that a relative was en route to collect their son.
The child was placed in the care of airport authorities while arrangements were made for his supervision. The current status of the family’s travel plans remains unclear.
Previous Similar Incident
This incident echoes a similar case that occurred in 2023 at Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. A Belgian couple attempted to board a flight without tickets for their infant, leaving the baby unattended with a stroller at the check-in counter. Airport staff intervened, and the couple was detained by police.
Child travel Regulations and Safety Concerns
This event highlights the importance of thoroughly checking travel documents before arriving at the airport. Airlines and border control agencies have strict regulations regarding child travel, including passport validity and parental consent requirements. According to the U.S. State Department, all children, including infants, must have their own valid passport for international travel. Leaving a child unattended at an airport is illegal and poses significant safety risks.
Source: Newspaper Oxygen
