A court in Palma is examining a case involving charges of sedition, coercion, and illegal entry by 21 Moroccans who participated in a large-scale attempt connected to an Air Arabia flight that made an emergency landing on November 5. In a Tuesday order, the judge outlines numerous indicators suggesting the events were part of a planned effort to enter Spain irregularly, involving a disrupted flight route that shifted from Morocco toward Turkey under the guise of a medical emergency. Additionally, two Mallorca residents are alleged to have assisted three fugitives and were expected to provide shelter to them on the island. Twenty-one passengers were placed in temporary detention, while four more individuals remain at large six months after the incident. Court records.
The presiding official of Palma’s court number 6 notes that all available evidence points to a passenger who purportedly experienced a diabetic crisis to trigger an emergency descent at Son Sant Joan. The document states that there is no proof the accused actually had diabetes, and a medical report from the penitentiary system did not support such a diagnosis. There is also suspicion that two supposed medical professionals aboard the aircraft alerted the commander. The report indicates that if the passenger’s condition had been truly critical, it could have resulted in coma within 15 minutes, a scenario that did not align with the actual medical outcome. After treatment at Son Llàtzer, the passenger was not seriously ill and was discharged soon afterward. Court records.
Meanwhile, around twenty people gathered near the aircraft at Son Sant Joan, waiting under the pretext of smoking to advance. In the ensuing chaos, some passengers pushed past crew members while attempts were made to restrain them. Two individuals were injured during these disruptions. It is noted that 23 passengers managed to exit the aircraft despite commands to stay onboard, and one of them fled along the platform tracks. Court records.
Information circulating on social media reportedly shows a Facebook post from five months before the incident in Mallorca, outlining plans to enter Europe irregularly and drawing striking parallels to the events at Son Sant Joan. The court suggests there is further evidence of premeditation and organizational planning behind the operation. Court records.
weather chaos
The magistrate emphasizes that the mass departure of the plane caused an aviation upheaval and a substantial response from security forces. Son Sant Joan was closed to traffic for three hours, impacting 81 flights: 48 were delayed, 19 canceled, and 14 diverted. The judge notes that the actions of the migrants carried enough intensity to be described as disruptive and provocative, with serious consequences for air safety. The decree states that the conduct interfered with normal air operations and constituted a deliberate effort to facilitate irregular entry into Spain. A total of 23 defendants are expected to testify in the coming weeks. Court records.