Five Passengers Deported from Spain After Gibraltar Flight Diverted to Malaga

Flight Diversion Leads to Deportation

On Sunday, January 26, 2026, an EasyJet flight bound for Gibraltar from London Gatwick was forced to divert to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport in Spain due to severe weather conditions, specifically strong winds, preventing a safe landing at its intended destination. This diversion led to the deportation of five passengers by Spanish authorities.

Upon arrival in Malaga, Spanish border officials conducted routine checks. It was discovered that five individuals aboard the flight did not possess valid Schengen visas, a requirement for entry into the Schengen Area, which includes Spain. Despite their ultimate destination being Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, and presumably holding valid documentation for entry there or into the UK, their lack of a Schengen visa for transit through Spain resulted in their detention and subsequent return to the United Kingdom.

Strict Application of Border Laws

The incident highlights the complex legal and logistical challenges that arise when flights to Gibraltar are diverted to Spanish airports. According to reports from Gibraltar's public broadcaster GBC and other media, Spanish authorities applied a 'strict application of border laws' in this instance. This approach marks a 'departure from the usual flexibility' previously observed in similar situations.

Historically, Spanish police have sometimes granted temporary permission for 'reasons of good neighbourliness' to allow stranded passengers to proceed to Gibraltar by road. However, this event signals a 'new zero-tolerance approach.' A notable contrast was a January 2025 incident where approximately 130 British Airways passengers, including several Asian nationals without visas, were granted 'exceptional entry' to avoid chaos at Malaga airport after a diversion.

Schengen Visa Requirements and Future Controls

Passengers traveling to Gibraltar, particularly those who are not EU nationals, are now facing increased scrutiny regarding their eligibility to enter the Schengen Area, even in cases of unforeseen diversions. While these travellers may hold valid documents for Gibraltar or the UK, they do not automatically have the legal right to enter the European Union.

The ongoing rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), which commenced in October 2025, further complicates border controls. This digital system replaces manual passport stamping with biometric checks for non-EU citizens at external Schengen borders. While the EES is being progressively deployed and its application at the Gibraltar-Spain land border is subject to ongoing discussions for future treaty arrangements, airports like Malaga are implementing the system for flights to and from non-Schengen destinations. This incident serves as a stark reminder for third-country nationals flying to Gibraltar during periods of variable weather that a valid Schengen visa may be crucial if a diversion to Spain becomes necessary.