A young Italian couple who rushed into Malta International Airport’s restricted zone in a last-ditch attempt to catch their flight back home were each fined €2,329.37 after admitting to the security breach.
26-year-old Matteo Clementi his 23-year-old partner Enrica Apollonio, who both hail from Lecce, were on holiday in Malta, and were due to fly back home on a Ryanair flight to Bari yesterday afternoon.
Prosecuting inspector Silvio Magro explained that the two had arrived late for their flight, and that the boarding gate had been recently closed, although the aircraft had not yet departed.
But the two then decided to go to another gate, force the security door open and rush towards the aircraft. The plane had already started taxiing by this time, but the two ran towards it, waving their hands to draw the flight captain’s attention.
The captain stopped the aircraft when the two were spotted, but the young couple was quickly arrested.
The inspector said that fines had been imposed over less serious security breaches, but nevertheless argued in favour of a fine in this case. Breaches of the requirements of the Airports and Civil Aviation (Security) Act could lead to a fine of at least €2,329.37, imprisonment for up to two years or both.
But defence counsel Roberto Montalto argued that the court should instead impose a suspended jail term, highlighting his clients and their families could ill-afford to pay the fine.
He highlighted their age, their clean criminal record – in Malta and in Italy – as well as the circumstances behind their runway dash.
Dr Montalto explained that the two missed their flight because the coach taking them to the airport was stuck in traffic: it took them an hour and 45 minutes to reach Luqa from Paceville.
He noted that yesterday was Ms Apollonio’s 23rd birthday, and that she had been looking forward to celebrate it with her family.
“In their absurd, youthful desperation, they thought missing the flight was a catastrophe,” he said.
The lawyer also observed that there were no consequences or civil damages resulting from their actions, as the flight ultimately departed as scheduled.
But Insp. Magro objected to a suspended sentence, stating that it would send a message that airport security breaches are treated lightly in Malta. Dr Montalto said that he appreciated this argument, but pointed out that Ms Apollonio had already suffered by spending her birthday in jail.
Ultimately, however, Magistrate Doreen Clarke decided on imposing the minimum fine possible on Mr Clementi and Ms Apollonio.
Dr Montalto’s request for the fine to be paid in monthly instalments was accepted by the magistrate, although Insp. Magro expressed his reservations and said that he preferred a lump sum payment.
“If they had the money, they would pay the fine at once,” the lawyer replied.
In a statement, Malta International Airport said that the passengers in question breached one of the emergency fire doors in order to access the apron. Their actions were beyond the airport's control and did not result from any negligence on behalf of MIA security staff. MIA staff and partners responded to this situation immediately and effectively, ensuring that the passengers were apprehended and passed on to the police. MIA regrets that a holiday to Malta had to end in this way but reminds passengers that safety and security are of the utmost importance at any airport and such issues cannot be dealt with lightly.