di-ve.com, Malta
Oct 7 2004
Two Syrian nationals cause a 2-hour delay on an Air Malta flight
by Dorian Cassar, di-ve news ([email protected])
GUDJA, Malta (di-ve news)–October 07, 2004 — 1745CET– An Air Malta
flight from Vienna experienced a two-hour delay on Thursday due to
safety and security measures on the previous flight KM 512 from
Malta, according to a press statement. Two Syrian nationals onboard
were not allowed to disembark the aircraft by the Austrian
immigration police after landing in Vienna.
Austrian officials directed Air Malta to transport the two passengers
back to Malta on the return flight. For safety and security reasons,
the operating Captain refused to carry the passenger back to Malta
unless security officers accompany them.
Following consultations between the airline and the immigrations
authorities, the two Syrian passengers were allowed to disembark and
were handed over to the Austrian authorities.
The Syrians commenced their trip from Damascus to Cairo and then to
Malta. Their ticket itinerary showed that they had an onward
connection to Armenia and all documentations were properly checked
throughout their whole journey.