John Evans, 61, from Cardiff, was on holiday in Lanzarote with his wife and two sons, aged 12 and 15, when he suffered a heart attack. The day before the family were due to fly home, Mr Evans was hospitalised after an occlusion in his left main stem artery required a stent.
His wife, Annette, a nurse, attempted to send the children home with another family they were holidaying with, providing a signed consent letter. However, when they reached the departure gate at Lanzarote Airport, EasyJet staff refused to allow the children to board without a letter from the Guardia Civil.
Mr Evans claimed the airline's refusal caused additional stress for his wife, who had to find accommodation near the hospital and arrange alternative travel. The children were unable to fly home as planned.
Annette approached the Guardia Civil, who reportedly said no such letter was needed. The family then rebooked flights with another airline for their sons and the children's godmother, who had flown out to assist. The children returned to the UK without issue.
EasyJet's policy states children aged 15 and under cannot travel unless accompanied by an adult, but for British nationals, written parental consent is generally sufficient. The airline noted that different regulations may apply when travelling from specific countries.
