Ryanair Passenger Boards Wrong Flight at Copenhagen Airport by Mistake

Key Takeaways

• A 79-year-old Swedish woman boarded a Ryanair flight to Bologna, not her easyJet flight to Berlin at Copenhagen Airport.
• Copenhagen Airport is investigating gate confusion, overlapping schedules, and boarding pass verification failures in this incident.
• Ryanair operates 360 weekly flights at Copenhagen Airport, which is reviewing procedures to prevent future boarding errors.

A 79-year-old Swedish woman’s unexpected journey from Copenhagen Airport to Bologna, Italy, instead of her intended destination of Berlin, Germany, has drawn attention to serious gaps in airport boarding procedures and passenger verification. The incident, which took place last week, involved the passenger mistakenly boarding a Ryanair flight rather than her scheduled easyJet flight. This event has sparked a thorough investigation at Copenhagen Airport and raised important questions about the safety, security, and support systems in place for travelers—especially the elderly and vulnerable.

Who was involved? A 79-year-old Swedish woman, identified only as “Lena” in some reports.
What happened? She boarded the wrong flight at Copenhagen Airport, ending up in Bologna, Italy, instead of Berlin, Germany.
When did it occur? Last week (exact date not specified in reports).
Where did it happen? Copenhagen Airport, Denmark.
Why did it happen? Confusion at the gate, possible overlapping flight schedules, and failures in boarding verification.
How was it discovered? The passenger realized her mistake only after landing in Bologna, when she saw a sign welcoming her to Italy.

Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what changes travelers and airport staff might see as a result.

How Did a Passenger Board the Wrong Flight at Copenhagen Airport?

The incident began when the elderly passenger arrived at Copenhagen Airport for her scheduled easyJet flight to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. According to reports, she saw a queue at a gate where airport screens indicated that easyJet passengers to Berlin should proceed. However, she ended up joining a line for a Ryanair flight to Bologna, Italy.

Several factors contributed to the confusion:

• Overlapping Schedules: Flights to Bologna and Berlin reportedly have similar departure times on six days of the week, increasing the risk of mix-ups.
• Possible Shared Gate: There are indications that both flights may have departed from the same gate, though this detail is still under investigation.
• Gate Signage and Announcements: It remains unclear if the gate displays or announcements were clear enough to help passengers distinguish between the two flights.

The passenger only realized her mistake after the flight landed in Bologna. She noticed the journey was longer than expected and saw a “Welcome to Bologna” sign upon arrival. This was the first clear indication that she was in the wrong country.

Official Response from Copenhagen Airport

Copenhagen Airport quickly acknowledged the incident and issued a statement through its Chief Operating Officer, Kristoffer Plenge-Brandt:

“We deeply regret the situation and the experience the passenger had. It is, of course, completely unacceptable. However, it is important to stress that the passenger had passed through security, and therefore there was no safety risk posed by the passenger being on the wrong flight. We are now awaiting the ground handling company’s thorough investigation into the cause of the error. Based on their findings, we will engage in close follow-up and dialogue regarding the procedures of ground handling companies to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

This statement highlights two key points:

• No Security Risk: The passenger had cleared airport security, so there was no threat to flight safety.
• Procedural Failure: The main issue was a breakdown in boarding verification and passenger guidance.

Investigation and Review of Procedures

Copenhagen Airport has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, focusing on the ground handling company responsible for passenger boarding. The investigation will look at:

1. How the Passenger Boarded the Wrong Flight: Did staff check her boarding pass properly? Were there lapses in the process?
2. Verification Procedures: Were boarding passes scanned and matched to the correct flight? Did staff verbally confirm the destination with passengers?
3. Gate Management: Was there confusion due to shared gates or unclear signage?
4. Communication: Were announcements and instructions clear and accessible, especially for elderly travelers?

The results of this investigation will guide changes to airport procedures, with the goal of preventing similar incidents in the future.

Ryanair’s Role and Presence at Copenhagen Airport

Ryanair, the airline involved in this incident, has a significant presence at Copenhagen Airport. The airline recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of operations at the airport, marking a decade of growth and investment. Ryanair currently operates over 360 weekly flights to and from Copenhagen, with four aircraft based at the airport. This represents a $400 million investment and supports about 2,300 local jobs.

However, Ryanair’s relationship with Denmark has not been without challenges. In February 2025, Ryanair announced it would stop operations at Aalborg Airport and close its base at Billund Airport. This decision came after Denmark introduced a new aviation tax of up to DKK 50 (€6.70) per departing passenger, which took effect in January 2025. Ryanair criticized the tax, saying it made Denmark’s regional airports less competitive compared to other European Union countries.

What Happens When a Passenger Arrives in the Wrong Country?

For the 79-year-old passenger, the experience was likely confusing and stressful. Arriving in a foreign country unexpectedly can create several challenges:

• Language Barriers: The passenger may not have spoken Italian, making communication difficult.
• Immigration Procedures: Even within the Schengen Area, where border checks are minimal, travelers must still comply with entry requirements.
• Finding Help: The passenger needed assistance from airport staff, airline representatives, and possibly local authorities to arrange a return trip.
• Temporary Accommodation: If no immediate return flight was available, she may have needed a place to stay overnight.
• Emotional Stress: For elderly travelers, such situations can be especially distressing.

Airports and airlines typically work together to help misrouted passengers return to their intended destinations. This may involve rebooking flights, providing meals or accommodation, and coordinating with immigration officials. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these cases require careful handling to ensure the passenger’s safety and comfort while also complying with immigration rules.

Why Did the System Fail?

This incident has exposed several weaknesses in airport operations:

Boarding Verification

• Multiple Checkpoints Missed: The passenger’s boarding pass should have been checked and scanned at the gate. Staff should have confirmed her destination verbally or visually.
• Technology Gaps: Some airports use automated gates that scan boarding passes, but human error can still occur if staff are not attentive.

Passenger Assistance

• Support for Elderly Travelers: Older passengers may need extra help, especially in busy or confusing environments. Staff training and dedicated assistance programs can reduce the risk of mistakes.

Gate Management

• Clear Signage and Announcements: When two flights depart from the same gate or at similar times, clear communication is essential. Signs should be large, easy to read, and available in multiple languages. Announcements should be frequent and clear.

Similar Incidents in Aviation

While rare, incidents of passengers boarding the wrong flight have happened before. These cases often lead to reviews and changes in boarding procedures. Some airports have introduced:

• Secondary Boarding Pass Scans: A second scan at the aircraft door to confirm the passenger is on the correct flight.
• Verbal Confirmation: Staff ask passengers to state their destination before boarding.
• Color-Coded Boarding Passes: Different colors for different flights to make it easier to spot mistakes.

The Schengen Area, which includes most European Union countries, allows for easy travel between member states. This means passengers can move between countries with minimal border checks, making it easier for such mistakes to go unnoticed until arrival.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Passengers

• Stay Alert: Always double-check your boarding pass, gate number, and destination before boarding.
• Ask for Help: If you are unsure, ask airport staff for assistance.
• Elderly and Vulnerable Travelers: Consider requesting special assistance when booking your flight.

For Airlines

• Review Procedures: Ensure boarding staff are trained to check boarding passes carefully and confirm destinations.
• Improve Communication: Use clear, multilingual signage and announcements.

For Airports

• Invest in Technology: Automated gates and secondary checks can reduce human error.
• Support Services: Offer more help for elderly and vulnerable travelers.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular reviews of boarding procedures to identify and fix weaknesses.

For Immigration Authorities

• Handle Misrouted Passengers with Care: Ensure that passengers who arrive in the wrong country receive proper assistance and are not penalized for honest mistakes.
• Coordinate with Airlines and Airports: Work together to quickly resolve such incidents and return passengers to their intended destinations.

For more information on travel rights and airport procedures in the European Union, readers can visit the official European Commission passenger rights page.

What Changes Can Travelers Expect?

Following this incident, Copenhagen Airport is likely to introduce several changes:

• Enhanced Boarding Verification: More thorough checks at the gate, possibly including secondary scans or verbal confirmation.
• Better Support for Elderly Passengers: Additional staff training and dedicated assistance services.
• Improved Gate Signage: Clearer, multilingual signs and more frequent announcements to help passengers find the correct flight.
• Staff Retraining: Ground handling staff may receive extra training on boarding procedures and passenger assistance.

The ground handling company’s investigation, expected to conclude in the coming weeks, will determine the exact changes to be made.

Lessons for the Global Aviation Industry

This case serves as a reminder that even in modern, well-equipped airports, mistakes can happen. As air travel continues to grow, especially with airlines like Ryanair expanding their operations, the need for robust procedures and passenger support becomes even more important.

Key takeaways for the industry include:

• No System is Foolproof: Human error can still occur, even with advanced technology.
• Vulnerable Passengers Need Extra Help: Elderly, disabled, or non-native speakers are at higher risk of confusion.
• Continuous Improvement is Essential: Regular reviews and updates to procedures help prevent future incidents.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

If you are traveling through a busy airport like Copenhagen, here are some steps you can take to avoid boarding the wrong flight:

• Check Your Boarding Pass: Make sure the flight number, gate, and destination match your travel plans.
• Listen to Announcements: Pay attention to gate changes or boarding calls.
• Ask for Help: If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to ask airport staff.
• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to find your gate and board your flight.
• Request Assistance: If you need extra help, ask for it when booking your ticket or at the airport.

Conclusion

The incident at Copenhagen Airport, where a 79-year-old Swedish woman boarded a Ryanair flight to Bologna instead of her easyJet flight to Berlin, has highlighted important gaps in airport boarding procedures and passenger support. While the passenger was never a security risk, the event has prompted a thorough review of procedures at one of Scandinavia’s busiest airports.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, such incidents, though rare, remind us that air travel systems must balance efficiency with careful attention to passenger needs—especially for the elderly and vulnerable. The results of the ongoing investigation at Copenhagen Airport will likely lead to stronger verification processes, better support for travelers, and clearer communication at the gate.

Travelers, airlines, and airports all have a role to play in making sure every journey ends at the right destination. By staying alert, asking for help, and supporting continuous improvement in airport procedures, everyone can help prevent similar mistakes in the future.

Learn Today

Boarding Pass → A document allowing a passenger to enter and board a specific flight at the airport gate.
Ground Handling Company → An organization responsible for managing passenger boarding, baggage, and aircraft servicing on the ground.
Gate Signage → Visual information displayed at airport gates to guide passengers to the correct flight departures.
Schengen Area → A group of European countries permitting free movement without passport checks at internal borders.
Secondary Boarding Scan → An additional check of boarding passes at aircraft doors to confirm correct passenger boarding.

This Article in a Nutshell

A 79-year-old Swedish woman mistakenly boarded a Ryanair flight to Bologna instead of Berlin at Copenhagen Airport. The confusion exposed failures in gate signage and boarding verification. Copenhagen Airport is now investigating to enhance safety, improve passenger support, and prevent similar incidents, especially for elderly travelers needing extra assistance.
— By VisaVerge.com