A deportee escaped from custody and ran across a live taxiway at Heathrow Airport, triggering a security scare and a government investigation.
At a Glance
- An immigration detainee escaped from private security staff during deportation at Heathrow Airport.
- The man ran across a live taxiway near Terminal 2, narrowly missing taxiing aircraft.
- At least four security officers chased him before he was apprehended by a response van.
- Heathrow paused airfield operations briefly and launched a security review.
- The Home Office and Mitie confirmed internal investigations are underway.
Breach on the Airfield
Video footage captured by Big Jet TV shows a man dashing across the taxiway at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 while planes continued to move nearby. Wearing a restraint belt, he was chased by at least four security officers over the active airfield before being subdued by a rapid-response vehicle. A Heathrow spokesperson said the incident was “quickly resolved,” with airport operations resuming shortly afterward.
Escaped Deportee Sparks Alarm
Sources later identified the individual as an immigration detainee en route to India. He had been in the custody of Mitie security contractors, who were escorting him under the authority of the UK Home Office. The man reportedly freed himself from a waist restraint and accessed the taxiway undetected. According to the Home Office, he was recaptured, returned to his flight, and transferred to Indian authorities upon arrival.
Watch a report: Dramatic Heathrow taxiway chase caught on Big Jet TV.
Safety Failures Under Scrutiny
Aviation experts warn that any unauthorized presence on an active taxiway poses life-threatening risks. Jet blasts from aircraft can cause serious injury, and pilots are not trained to expect ground intrusions. Heathrow confirmed that aircraft movements were briefly halted during the pursuit and then resumed. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the individual was arrested without further incident.
Long-Term Implications
This breach has raised broader questions about airside security and the safety of deportation procedures. Comparisons are already being drawn to the 2018 Gatwick drone shutdown, which led to days of disruptions and new security measures across UK airports. Both Mitie and the Home Office face growing calls to tighten detainee handling protocols and reassess their airside access procedures to prevent another high-risk escape.
