Larnaca airport alert after passenger found on Tel Aviv flight without manifest entry

Larnaca, Cyprus. Larnaca airport was placed on alert on Monday evening after a passenger was found aboard a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft without being listed on the flight’s manifest, police said on Tuesday.

Passenger discovered during headcount

According to sources, the passenger, a woman from Georgia, had bought a ticket, checked in and passed security. The sources added that she appeared to be regarded as persona non grata in Israel.

During the final boarding inspection by airline staff, the woman appears to have intentionally evaded the check and boarded the aircraft. Crew members discovered her during a headcount, and authorities removed her from the aircraft.

Civil Aviation investigates procedures

The incident raised concerns over security procedures, prompting Civil Aviation to launch investigations into how the passenger gained access to the aircraft and how procedures were bypassed.