A couple is under investigation in Spain after reportedly abandoning their 10-year-old child at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport to avoid missing a flight. The child, who was unable to board due to an expired passport, was found alone inside the terminal as his parents departed without him.
The incident came to light after an airport employee, identified only as Lilian, shared the details on TikTok, expressing outrage over what she described as a “completely surreal” situation. Lilian, an aviation coordinator at El Prat, said she had witnessed many unusual events in her role but nothing quite like this.
According to her account, the boarding process for the flight initially went as planned until ground staff noticed an unaccompanied child lingering near the gates. The crew halted the plane’s departure while airport security and police were called to intervene.
After being questioned by authorities, the child revealed that his parents had knowingly boarded the flight without him. He explained that his passport had expired and required a visa for entry to the destination country, leaving him unable to travel. His parents, faced with the possibility of forfeiting their tickets, allegedly decided to proceed with their journey and leave the boy behind.
The story has since garnered widespread attention on social media, with users expressing shock and anger over the couple’s actions. Many have criticised the parents for putting their travel plans ahead of their child’s safety.
In a follow-up statement to Spanish newspaper 20 Minutos, Lilian said the parents later tried to justify their decision by claiming they had arranged for a relative to pick up the child from the airport. However, authorities confirmed that the child was found unattended and that no guardian was present at the time.
Police have launched an investigation into the case, focusing on potential charges of child neglect. At the time of reporting, the nationality and identity of the family have not been disclosed.
Spanish authorities have not yet confirmed whether the couple’s final destination was within the European Union or beyond, which could influence the legal implications. Meanwhile, child welfare services have been contacted to ensure the child’s immediate protection and care.
Incidents involving abandoned minors at airports are extremely rare and often involve more complex circumstances, such as visa complications or custody disputes. This case, however, has raised broader concerns about parental responsibility and the pressures of international travel.
Barcelona-El Prat, one of Spain’s busiest airports, handles millions of passengers annually. The airport authority has declined to comment formally on the incident but has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, especially in the case of minors.
The case continues to be investigated, with updates expected in the coming days as authorities work to determine the appropriate legal course of action.
