A easyJet flight U27380 from Athens to Palma de Mallorca experienced significant disruptions due to the attempted irregular boarding of at least six passengers. This event is suspected to be linked with a human trafficking network operating in Greece. During the incident, two individuals were removed from the plane for not possessing the “correct travel documentation,” while another three were intercepted in the boarding area and prevented from boarding. A search for the final irregular traveller necessitated the disembarkation of all passengers.
Background & Investigation:
Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, shared in November 2023 that a collaborative operation by Belgian and Greek authorities led to the dismantling of a trafficking network responsible for smuggling irregular migrants. This crackdown included 11 arrests and 16 searches, with two conducted in Greek travel agencies.
The criminal network is believed to have facilitated the illegal entry of migrants, predominantly Iraqis, into Greece before transporting them to Belgium using falsified or duplicated documentation. Greek airports served primarily as initial entry points into Europe for these migrants.
The August 22nd flight aligns with the known tactics of such trafficking operations, although investigations remain active and all possibilities are still being explored.
Flight Delay:
The flight eventually departed from Athens airport after approximately a three-hour delay.
