Ryanair flight departs France without any of its 192 passengers
When passenger check-in opened there was no security team, the airport stated
A Ryanair service flew to Marrakesh leaving its 192 passengers behind
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A Ryanair flight from France’s Grand Est region to Marrakech departed without its passengers due to insufficient staff to carry out check-in and security procedures.
It meant 192 passengers were left stranded on April 14 at Vatry Airport in Marne when security personnel responsible for boarding, provided by the company Sécurus, were all reported to be on sick leave.
The cancellation was initially communicated via a message on the Ryanair app, which read: “Due to an unexpected strike by security staff at, we advise all passengers on flight FR4408 to Marrakech to return home and rebook another flight via the Ryanair app.”
However, Fabrice Pauquet, director of Vatry Airport, told ICI Grand Est that the disruption was not due to a strike but rather staff absences: “When passenger check-in opened, there was no security team. We learned they were all on sick leave.” adding that the head of Sécurus advised that no replacement team could be deployed in time for the flight to depart.
Compensation uncertainties
Airport management stated that the airport would not pay any compensation, saying: “If there are any costs incurred, they are passed on to the operator, who will in turn pass them on to their service provider who failed to fulfill their obligations.”
Ryanair stated that the disruption was caused by circumstances beyond its control. Its website states that under EU air passenger rights regulations, compensation is not required in cases classified as “extraordinary circumstances,” such as strikes…medical emergencies…provided that all reasonable measures have been taken to avoid the disruption.
While the situation at Vatry is still being assessed, it may fall under this category due to the reported unavailability of security staff caused by widespread sick leave.
