Nine-Year-Old UK-Born Boy Denied Boarding at Italian Airport Due to Residency Documentation Issues

A nine-year-old boy from Cardiff, David Toropu, was denied boarding a Ryanair flight from Milan airport to London Gatwick on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The incident occurred as the family attempted to return to the UK after a four-night rugby tour in Venice during the Easter holidays.

UK border control stated they had no record of David's residency in Britain, despite his attendance at a school in Wales and only one prior departure from the country.

David was born in Wales in 2016 and has lived there his entire life. His parents are Romanian nationals who moved to the UK a year before his birth. His mother, Christina Toropu, holds pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, while his father has settled status.

Christina Toropu had assumed her son would automatically receive British citizenship after seven years of continuous residency. She told the Mirror that she was unaware of the need to apply for his own status, believing he would have dual citizenship. However, post-Brexit rules require separate documentation for such cases.

The denial led to emotional distress for the family.

Christina Toropu reported experiencing multiple panic attacks and difficulty managing her emotions. David, who overheard the conversation at the airport, expressed fear that he would be left behind while his family returned to the UK. The family has incurred costs of approximately £2,000 for accommodation, flights, and applications over the past week.

David's stepbrother's rugby team set up a crowdfunding page to assist with expenses. Christina Toropu now anticipates that David may miss school time, and she may need to delay medical appointments in the UK. While Christina and David remained in Italy for two additional nights, the father and stepson returned to Britain to resume school and work.