At a Glance
- A 31-year-old Swiss woman forced her way onto a Ryanair plane at Ibiza Airport after the gate had closed.
- She allegedly pushed a flight attendant to the ground and resisted arrest.
- Authorities arrested her on charges of resistance and disobedience.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights airport security gaps and the legal consequences of interfering with crew.
A passenger stormed past a closed gate at Ibiza Airport, shoved a flight attendant, and tried to board a Ryanair flight to Barcelona before Spanish police arrested her on January 4.
Arrest at Gate
The 31-year-old Swiss traveler arrived too late to board the Barcelona-bound aircraft. Crew members had already closed the gate, denying her entry.
According to the Spanish Civil Guard statement shared with News Of Losangeles, the woman refused to accept the denial. She allegedly:
- Pushed a flight attendant to the floor
- Slipped through the gate
- Gained unauthorized access to the boarding stairs
Officers from the airport’s Fiscal and Border Detachment responded to the disturbance call. They found her standing on the aircraft steps, insisting she would board the plane.
Violent Reaction
Authorities ordered her to return inside the terminal. She allegedly reacted with hostility and violence toward the agents, prompting them to place her under arrest.
The Civil Guard confirmed she now faces charges of crime of resistance and disobedience under Spanish law.
Sophia A. Reynolds reported that Ryanair did not immediately respond to News Of Losangeles‘s request for comment.
Security Concerns
The breach raises questions about how a passenger bypassed both gate staff and airport security to reach the aircraft steps.
Airport protocol typically requires:
- Gate agents to verify boarding passes
- Security personnel to monitor restricted areas
- Crew to confirm passenger manifests before closing doors
Spanish authorities have not disclosed whether additional security measures will follow the incident.
Legal Consequences
Disobedience and resistance charges in Spain carry potential penalties including:
- Fines up to €30,000 for minor resistance
- Jail terms of up to four years if violence or intimidation is proven
- Possible civil liability for damages to airline staff
The arrested passenger awaits court proceedings in Ibiza.
Key Takeaways
- Arrive early; gates close strictly 15-20 minutes before departure
- Interfering with crew can lead to immediate arrest and prosecution
- Airport security relies on passenger compliance to maintain safety
- Violent behavior toward staff carries both criminal and financial consequences
