Strong winds and the airport’s short runway prompted a charter flight captain to order passengers leave their luggage behind to reduce the aircraft’s weight before takeoff.
The unusual incident occurred at Skiathos Airport shortly before a charter flight to Naples was due to take off, when the captain told passengers that their luggage could not be loaded onto the aircraft and would instead travel on a later flight.
The captain said he had made the decision after consulting the airline, citing strong winds and the airport’s short runway. The conditions made it necessary to reduce the aircraft’s overall weight to ensure a safe takeoff.
The announcement initially prompted questions and protests from passengers inside the cabin.
The captain then left the cockpit and addressed the passengers firmly.
“I am the captain, and I make the decisions. For everyone’s safety, we have to leave the luggage on the ground,” he told them.
