Ryanair 24 Passengers Left Behind After Tours–Marrakesh Flight Departs Amid EES Delays
In an incident now under review, ryanair 24 passengers left behind when a Tours–Marrakesh flight departed without them amid border-control delays on March 11, 2026.
Ryanair 24 Passengers Left Behind: What We Know So Far
The flight from Tours, France, to Marrakesh, Morocco, was scheduled to depart at 7: 15 am ET on March 11, but flight data shows it left at 7: 57 am ET. In all, 24 passengers did not board in time and had their luggage removed before the aircraft pushed back.
The airport’s director said the pilot was operating within the allotted takeoff slot and had the right to close the doors to keep that slot. If a crew misses its assigned window, the next available opportunity to depart can be uncertain, he explained.
One affected traveler said they arrived a little over two hours before departure but were caught in lengthy processing lines. They described the situation as “completely crazy, ” citing the time it took to clear security and border checks.
Ryanair said delays inside the terminal were beyond its control and emphasized that boarding gates close on time to ensure punctuality. The airline stated that 155 passengers presented at the gate before it closed and boarded the flight, adding that those who did not reach the gate in time missed the departure.
Border Checks And EES Rollout Behind The Delays
Airport officials linked the disruption to two factors: an unannounced inspection by the gendarmerie across the airport and longer processing times as the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) expands. The EES requires border police to register non-EU travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area, using biometric data. Those checks can take three to four minutes per passenger, which can quickly build queues—especially at smaller regional airports.
During the phased rollout, inspections have been capped, and the timeline has milestones. By March 10—150 days into the phased start—all French borders were meant to be using the system with at least half of eligible travelers registered. France aims to reach full operation by the end of this month, though staff have flagged issues with some registration kiosks and tablets.
The broader EES rollout began in October and is set to be fully operational from April 10, underscoring why processing times remain unpredictable during the transition.
Airline And Airport Responses, What Affected Travelers Can Do
The airport director called the episode “regrettable” and said teams are analyzing what happened to determine responsibility. Impacted travelers are being reviewed case by case. Staff advised affected passengers to keep copies of all receipts and supporting documents, though no refunds have been promised at this stage.
Ryanair reiterated that gate closure times are standard procedure and that the departure went ahead once the gate closed. The airline framed the situation as a knock-on effect of terminal-side security checks and audits outside its control.
For those affected by the ryanair 24 passengers left behind incident, the airport has provided contact points and said it will not leave passengers without a response. Travelers using regional airports in France over the coming weeks may want to build in extra time, with EES queues expected to lengthen as the system reaches full operation.
