Every airport, everywhere

Menara Airport (Marrakech, Morocco)

Subject: Formal Complaint and Notice of Potential Legal Action – Discriminatory and Harassing Conduct by Swissport Staff (Flight FR5475) Dear Madame and Sir, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Swissport International AG regarding serious misconduct by your personnel during the priority boarding process for Ryanair flight FR5475 from Marrakech (RAK) to Berlin (BER) on Friday, 5 February, between approximately 06:00 and 06:30 AM. During priority boarding, I was subjected to discriminatory, harassing, and intimidating treatment by two Swissport employees assigned to the priority boarding line. Their conduct included: Unjustified and intrusive inspection of the contents of my luggage and the passengers in front of me despite priority boarding and paid cabin baggage entitlements; Dismissive and hostile behavior when I calmly asked for clarification as to why such checks were being conducted; Harassment and intimidation, including an explicit threat to deny me boarding solely for questioning their actions; Conduct that was discriminatory in nature, including misogynistic behavior and discriminatory treatment toward a couple perceived as possibly gay. This couple serves here as testifiers of the abusive and discriminatory treatment of your personnel. Notably, during the same boarding period, the non-priority boarding line proceeded smoothly, under the supervision of a different staff member, without comparable inspections or confrontational behavior. This disparity in treatment strongly indicates arbitrary enforcement and discriminatory targeting rather than legitimate security or procedural necessity. The behavior described above was humiliating, distressing, and entirely unacceptable. It constitutes a breach of Swissport’s duty of care toward passengers and may amount to violations of applicable EU and international anti-discrimination principles, consumer protection standards, and airport handling service obligations. Threatening denial of boarding in response to a reasonable question further represents an abuse of authority. I hereby request the following: A formal written explanation of the actions taken by Swissport staff during priority boarding for this flight; Subject: Formal Complaint and Notice of Potential Legal Action – Discriminatory and Harassing Conduct by Swissport Staff (Flight FR5475) Confirmation that a full internal investigation has been initiated, including identification and review of the conduct of the two employees involved; Written assurance that appropriate disciplinary and corrective measures will be taken to prevent recurrence; A formal written apology acknowledging the inappropriate treatment endured. Please note that this letter serves as formal notice. Should Swissport fail to respond adequately within 14 days of receipt, I reserve all rights to pursue further action, including escalation to airport authorities, the operating airline, relevant regulatory bodies, and legal remedies available under applicable law. Swissport unfortunately has not answered so I am drawing the attention to you otherwise I will have to take legal steps against swissport and the airport of Marrakech. Yours faithfully, Anna M

— Anna Miorin

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt)

Really bad experience with the security personal. Why do I need to show my passport literally 10 m after visa and passport control again??? So many checks and controls. They just seem to be bored and to enjoy their official power over the passengers.

— Michele

Palmerston North Airport (Palmerston North, New Zealand)

Nice caf, great views on the 2nd floor while waiting for departure. Nice, Friendy staff and clean toilets.Lots of different hire/rental car companies e.g Hertz, ez rental. Overall rating-4 Stars

— D Macintyre