Two passengers who missed their flight ran onto the tarmac at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport, sparking a major security lockdown. The pair broke through to the restricted aircraft apron in a last-ditch bid to board a departing Aeroflot jet.
Runway dash caught on video
Video footage from July 25 shows the duo sprinting across the runway with their suitcases as the airliner began taxiing away from the gate. One woman wildly waved her arms at the plane, hoping the pilot would stop and let them on.
The passengers had arrived late and missed the final boarding call. Instead of rebooking at the airline desk, they sneaked onto the tarmac.
Operations frozen, pair detained
Ground staff froze all operations after spotting the duo darting around moving vehicles and heavy machinery. The pair, who had already cleared main security checks, were quickly tackled by airport staff and handed over to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).
The women put themselves in severe danger, as jet aprons are high-risk zones packed with moving aircraft, towing tugs, and support vehicles. Footage of the incident went viral on social media.
Similar incident in May
This isn't the first time a traveller in Russia has chased a taxiing jet. In May, a man missed his flight after being trapped in an airport toilet. He dashed onto the tarmac to stop his plane but was left behind and fined around £30.
