Moroccan passengers flee after emergency landing in Malta

On New Year's Day, an incident at Malta's airport led to the arrest of two Moroccan passengers, with authorities actively searching for two others who managed to escape from a plane bound for Morocco. The local media described the event as a «manhunt at the airport and its surroundings».

The situation unfolded at approximately 1:45 PM when a Turkish Airlines flight requested an emergency landing in Malta. This request followed reports of a Moroccan passenger exhibiting signs of medical distress. Upon landing, as the passenger received medical attention and baggage was being handled, four Moroccan nationals reportedly seized the opportunity to flee the aircraft via the rear door.

In response, Maltese police and armed forces were promptly alerted to the situation. Meanwhile, the passenger requiring medical care was transported to Mater Dei Hospital. After the incident, the flight resumed its journey to Morocco.