A British father has been left stranded on the Greek island of Kefalonia after airline staff refused to let him board a flight home because he was travelling on his American passport.
Kyle Harris, 39, who has lived in the UK since he was a baby, was on holiday with his wife Ruth and their two sons. The family were due to fly back to the UK on a Jet2 flight, but Kyle was denied boarding because of new Home Office rules that came into force in February.
Under the changes, dual-national British citizens must now present a valid UK or Irish passport to enter the country, or obtain a 'certificate of entitlement' costing £589. Previously, they could use their second nationality passport.
Ruth Harris said the family were given the option to fly home without Kyle, but she refused. 'I wouldn't leave my husband stranded while our children cried for him,' she said. The situation is complicated by Kyle's need for medication to treat a pituitary tumour, which is difficult to access abroad.
The family have contacted the British consulate in Greece and the Foreign Office in London, submitting tax records and birth certificates to prove Kyle's right to return. Ruth said they were not warned about the rule change during booking or travel.
A Jet2 spokesperson said: 'Our cabin crew acted in accordance with government legislation and sought guidance from the Home Office, as the passenger did not have the correct documentation at the time of travel.'
