A couple reportedly left their young son at a Barcelona airport so they wouldn’t miss their flight to their home country.
A couple reportedly left their 10-year-old son behind at Barcelona’s Josep Tarradellas El Prat Airport after discovering his passport had expired — all in an effort to avoid missing their flight, according to multiple media outlets.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, when the family was set to fly to their home country for a vacation. However, authorities say the child was unable to board because his Spanish passport required a visa, which he did not have.
“His passport had expired, and the Spanish passport required a visa for travel. Since they didn’t have the necessary documents, the parents made the decision to leave the child at the terminal and contacted a relative to come pick him up”
Lilian, an airport employee, according to a report from The Sun.
Airport staff found the boy alone and unattended and quickly alerted police. He told officers his parents had already boarded the plane and were en route to their home country.
The aircraft’s pilot confirmed that police had informed him of an unaccompanied minor found in the airport’s parking area.
The case has raised concerns over child safety and travel protocols, and it remains unclear whether the parents will face any legal consequences.
