Passengers escape after a Turkish Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Malta

TURKISH AIRLINES BOEING 737-MAX 8 TC-LCU (MSN 60068)

Several passengers have escaped from a Turkish Airlines flight following an emergency landing at Luqa International Airport on Wednesday afternoon. The unscheduled landing was requested by the captain due to a critically ill Moroccan passenger.

Turkish Airlines flight TK619 bound for Marrakesh (RAK/GMMX) took off from Istanbul (IST/LTFM)) at 8:56 AM UTC. After being airborne for around two hours, the flight diverted to Malta (MLA/LMML) and landed at 11:02 AM UTC. The flight was operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as TC-LCI (MSN 60042).

The escape occurred while the aircraft was still on the runway, prompting an immediate security response. Police were notified at 1:45 PM and initiated comprehensive search with the Armed Forces Malta personnel across the airport grounds and surrounding areas.

The Moroccan passenger, whose medical condition triggered the emergency landing, remains in police custody at Mater Dei Hospital. Authorities continue search for the escaped passengers around the airport perimeter.

The incident has raised serious security concerns, and authorities are investigating the motives behind the passengers’ escape. Initial reports suggest that the individuals who fled may have been attempting to illegally enter Malta.

The incident activated airport security protocols, mobilizing law enforcement resources for a coordinated manhunt. Police maintain an active presence in vicinity while investigating the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized passenger departure.