Passengers Stranded at Tours Airport Due to Ryanair's Strict Departure Protocols
On Wednesday, March 10, 2026, a group of 24 passengers found themselves stranded at Tours Airport in France, eager to board their flight to Marrakech. The situation arose when the captain of a Ryanair aircraft chose to take off without waiting for these passengers, prioritizing the scheduled departure time outlined in the flight plan over the well-being of those who were still on their way to the plane.
Despite a delay of approximately 42 minutes caused by unexpected security checks conducted by French gendarmerie in compliance with the European Entry/Exit System (EES), the pilot made the controversial decision to close the aircraft's doors definitively. This left the passengers, who were walking towards the plane, unable to board, as the captain aimed to maintain the designated "time window" for takeoff from the French airport to Marrakech's Menara Airport.
According to reports from ICI, the international protocols for aviation safety dictate that in situations like this, any baggage belonging to passengers who have not boarded the aircraft must be identified and removed from the cargo hold before the flight can depart. However, once the official flight procedures have commenced, the flight crew is prohibited from reopening the doors, regardless of the circumstances that led to the delay.
This incident highlights the stringent policies airlines often adhere to, which can sometimes lead to unfortunate consequences for passengers. As travel continues to face various challenges, it remains vital for travelers to be aware of potential delays and the strict adherence to schedules that airlines enforce.
As reported by aljarida24.ma.
