Couple detained after abandoning baby at check-in desk as they ran to catch flight

A couple has been detained by police after rushing off to their flight and abandoning their baby at an airport check-in desk.

In February, a couple - who have not been publicly identified - got into an argument with Ryanair staff at Terminal 1 in Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport in Israel about purchasing a separate ticket for their child for their flight to Brussels, Belgium.

Shocking footage has revealed the moment airport staff realised the couple had left their baby behind as they carried on their way to catch their flight.

Getty Images/ Nir Keidar/ Anadolu Agency

The airline - which confirmed the incident took place at a Ryanair check-in desk - said the couple hadn't pre-bought a ticket for their child.

The couple reportedly didn't know they were required to buy a separate ticket on their flight, as per local news outlet KAN.

They were also reportedly late for their flight and in an agitated state to make it on time, according to Israel Airports Authority.

However, airport staff definitely didn't predict what would happen next.

Getty Images/ Artur Widax/ Nur Photo

When the couple were told they'd have to pay for a ticket for their child, the pair reportedly left their child in its carrier by the desk and carried on to 'the security check-in at Terminal 1 to get to the departure gate', Israel's Airport Authority said in a statement.

A Ryanair child's ticket costs £25 'per one way travel' according to the airline's website and 'infants can be included in a flight reservation during the online booking process'. An extra purchase is required if travelling with a travel cot, car seat or booster.

Footage shows airport staff peeling back the blanket lying on top of the baby carrier to find a baby lying underneath. Gasps can be heard echoing around the desk.

Channel 12

Thankfully, the couple were apprehended before they managed to get on their flight to Brussels.

In a statement to Tyla, Ryanair commented: "These passengers travelling from Tel Aviv to Brussels (31 Jan) presented at check-in without a booking for their infant. They then proceeded to security leaving the infant behind at check-in.

"The check-in agent at Ben Gurion Airport contacted Airport Security, who retrieved these passengers, and this is now a matter for local police.

"It's unclear what happened to the parents and the baby after the adults were detained by the police."

Topics: News, Real Life, Life, Parenting, Travel, Money

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.