Passengers in tears as Ryanair flight accidentally takes off leaving 50 behind

Ryanair's Athens–London Luton flight departed with up to 50 passengers left behind on the ground. The airline blamed Athens border-control delays that extended processing for non-Schengen travellers, leaving many in long lines in sweltering heat. Several travellers described distress at the gate as they pleaded with staff to let them board. Ryanair said those at the gate when boarding began traveled without incident, while airport officials cited high passenger volumes and ongoing processing updates. Greece's government later confirmed changes to biometric checks for non-EU travellers, with some fast-tracking promised for British visitors. The incident underscores ongoing border-control pressures affecting European air travel.