Passengers Arrested After Sprinting Across Cologne Airport Tarmac

Two men were arrested after making a frantic attempt to board a flight at Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany on March 15, 2024. The individuals, aged 28 and 47, sprinted across an active runway towards a Wizz Air Airbus A321, which was preparing for takeoff to Bucharest, Romania. This incident unfolded just moments before the flight’s scheduled departure, shocking onlookers at the airport.

Footage captured by witnesses revealed the men running towards the aircraft, which had already left its gate and had its engines running. They gained unauthorized access to the apron through an emergency exit after passing through security checks. As they approached the front of the plane, they were seen gesticulating towards the cockpit in an apparent attempt to signal the pilot to halt the departure.

Airport personnel intervened before the situation escalated further. A spokesperson for Cologne Bonn Airport confirmed the incident, stating, “We can confirm that on Friday evening two passengers gained unauthorized access to the apron through an emergency exit after passing through security.” The airport staff promptly detained the individuals and handed them over to the German Federal Police.

Oliver Hunewinckell, a representative of the Federal Police, noted that criminal proceedings for trespassing have been initiated against the men. “A violation of the Air Security Act is still being investigated,” he added.

The flight was delayed briefly due to the incident but ultimately took off only 17 minutes behind schedule. It managed to make up time in the air and landed in Bucharest earlier than expected. Reports indicated that delays at the airport’s security gates earlier that day, attributed to ongoing construction work, contributed to longer-than-usual waiting times for passengers.

This incident raises serious concerns about airport security measures and the potential risks posed by unauthorized access to active runways. Authorities are likely to review protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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