List of people who have lived in airports
Updated: 11/5/2025, 10:47:29 PM Wikipedia source
This is a list of people notable for living for periods of more than a week in airports. The reasons are usually protesting, asylum seeking or having difficulty with visas and passports.
Tables
· List of residents
Khasan Aman Abdo, Gulistan Issa Shakho, and four children
Khasan Aman Abdo, Gulistan Issa Shakho, and four children
Name
Khasan Aman Abdo, Gulistan Issa Shakho, and four children
Original nationality
Syrian
Location
Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow, Russia
Period
10 September 2015 – 20 November 2015
Duration
71 days
Family of Kurdish refugees fleeing the Iraqi Civil War who intended to seek asylum in Russia. After being initially denied entry into the country, they remained at the airport.
The family was moved to a facility for temporary accommodation while they await further processing of their asylum application.[needs update]
Family of Kurdish refugees fleeing the Iraqi Civil War who intended to seek asylum in Russia. After being initially denied entry into the country, they remained at the airport.
The family was moved to a facility for temporary accommodation while they await further processing of their asylum application.[needs update]
Name
Family of Kurdish refugees fleeing the Iraqi Civil War who intended to seek asylum in Russia. After being initially denied entry into the country, they remained at the airport.
The family was moved to a facility for temporary accommodation while they await further processing of their asylum application.[needs update]
Mohammed Al Bahish
Mohammed Al Bahish
Name
Mohammed Al Bahish
Original nationality
Iraqi-Palestinian
Location
Almaty International Airport, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Period
March 20 – August 17, 2013
Duration
150 days
In Kazakhstan, while registering intention to marry, his refugee travel documents went missing, and his Kazakh and Emirati visas expired. Later flew to Turkey in the hope of renewing his Kazakh visa, but was turned back at the border. Subsequently, flown back and forth four times and refused entry by either country.
Allowed to go to a UNHRC refugee transit centre in Timișoara, Romania, and later granted asylum in Finland.
In Kazakhstan, while registering intention to marry, his refugee travel documents went missing, and his Kazakh and Emirati visas expired. Later flew to Turkey in the hope of renewing his Kazakh visa, but was turned back at the border. Subsequently, flown back and forth four times and refused entry by either country.
Allowed to go to a UNHRC refugee transit centre in Timișoara, Romania, and later granted asylum in Finland.
Name
In Kazakhstan, while registering intention to marry, his refugee travel documents went missing, and his Kazakh and Emirati visas expired. Later flew to Turkey in the hope of renewing his Kazakh visa, but was turned back at the border. Subsequently, flown back and forth four times and refused entry by either country.
Allowed to go to a UNHRC refugee transit centre in Timișoara, Romania, and later granted asylum in Finland.
Hassan Al Kontar
Hassan Al Kontar
Name
Hassan Al Kontar
Original nationality
Syrian
Location
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, Malaysia
Period
7 March – 1 October 2018
Duration
208 days
Deported to Malaysia in 2017 after overstaying in the UAE for 5 years. During his stay, he saved money to buy a plane ticket to Ecuador, but was turned away by Turkish Airlines staff for unexplained reasons. He then attempted to fly to Cambodia after overstaying his Malaysian visa, but was denied entry and deported.
Briefly detained by Malaysian immigration authorities for two months, until his asylum request was granted by the Canadian government.
Deported to Malaysia in 2017 after overstaying in the UAE for 5 years. During his stay, he saved money to buy a plane ticket to Ecuador, but was turned away by Turkish Airlines staff for unexplained reasons. He then attempted to fly to Cambodia after overstaying his Malaysian visa, but was denied entry and deported.
Briefly detained by Malaysian immigration authorities for two months, until his asylum request was granted by the Canadian government.
Name
Deported to Malaysia in 2017 after overstaying in the UAE for 5 years. During his stay, he saved money to buy a plane ticket to Ecuador, but was turned away by Turkish Airlines staff for unexplained reasons. He then attempted to fly to Cambodia after overstaying his Malaysian visa, but was denied entry and deported.
Briefly detained by Malaysian immigration authorities for two months, until his asylum request was granted by the Canadian government.
Arwa Almsrawi
Arwa Almsrawi
Name
Arwa Almsrawi
Original nationality
Syrian
Location
Istanbul Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
Period
February 2024 – September 2024
Duration
240 days (.mw- approx. 8 months; exact dates unknown)
Prevented from embarking on a flight to Toronto after landing in Turkey due to US authorities alleging she was on the American No Fly List. The Canadian Government later revoked her refugee status.
Given temporary Turkish residence.
Prevented from embarking on a flight to Toronto after landing in Turkey due to US authorities alleging she was on the American No Fly List. The Canadian Government later revoked her refugee status.
Given temporary Turkish residence.
Name
Prevented from embarking on a flight to Toronto after landing in Turkey due to US authorities alleging she was on the American No Fly List. The Canadian Government later revoked her refugee status.
Given temporary Turkish residence.
Gary Peter Austin
Gary Peter Austin
Name
Gary Peter Austin
Original nationality
British
Location
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippines
Period
19 December 2012 – 11 January 2013
Duration
23 days
Missed his flight. He had run out of money to book a new flight.
Donors paid for a ticket back to the United Kingdom.
Missed his flight. He had run out of money to book a new flight.
Donors paid for a ticket back to the United Kingdom.
Name
Missed his flight. He had run out of money to book a new flight.
Donors paid for a ticket back to the United Kingdom.
Bahareh Zare Bahari
Bahareh Zare Bahari
Name
Bahareh Zare Bahari
Original nationality
Iranian
Location
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila
Period
17 October – 6 November 2019
Duration
20 days
Detained upon return to the Philippines from a trip to Dubai after Iran sought her via an Interpol Red Notice.
The Philippine justice department recognized Bahari as a refugee on 6 November.
Detained upon return to the Philippines from a trip to Dubai after Iran sought her via an Interpol Red Notice.
The Philippine justice department recognized Bahari as a refugee on 6 November.
Name
Detained upon return to the Philippines from a trip to Dubai after Iran sought her via an Interpol Red Notice.
The Philippine justice department recognized Bahari as a refugee on 6 November.
Iyad El-Baghdadi
Iyad El-Baghdadi
Name
Iyad El-Baghdadi
Profile
Original nationality
Palestinian
Location
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
Period
13 May – 8 June 2014
Duration
26 days
Deported to Malaysia by the UAE, not wanting to be detained there indefinitely without formal charges. Was then denied entry at the Kuala Lumpur airport because he had no official documents.
The Palestinian Embassy issued him a passport, and officials in Kuala Lumpur admitted him into the country. He then left Malaysia for Norway, applying for political asylum.
Deported to Malaysia by the UAE, not wanting to be detained there indefinitely without formal charges. Was then denied entry at the Kuala Lumpur airport because he had no official documents.
The Palestinian Embassy issued him a passport, and officials in Kuala Lumpur admitted him into the country. He then left Malaysia for Norway, applying for political asylum.
Name
Deported to Malaysia by the UAE, not wanting to be detained there indefinitely without formal charges. Was then denied entry at the Kuala Lumpur airport because he had no official documents.
The Palestinian Embassy issued him a passport, and officials in Kuala Lumpur admitted him into the country. He then left Malaysia for Norway, applying for political asylum.
Feng Zhenghu
Feng Zhenghu
Name
Feng Zhenghu
Profile
Original nationality
Chinese
Location
Narita International Airport, Japan
Period
9 November 2009 – 3 February 2010
Duration
86 days
Began protesting after being refused re-entry into China.
Visited by several Chinese diplomats and entered Japan with anticipation of being allowed to re-enter Shanghai by mid-February. This later occurred, although he is now under house-arrest at his Shanghai apartment.
Began protesting after being refused re-entry into China.
Visited by several Chinese diplomats and entered Japan with anticipation of being allowed to re-enter Shanghai by mid-February. This later occurred, although he is now under house-arrest at his Shanghai apartment.
Name
Began protesting after being refused re-entry into China.
Visited by several Chinese diplomats and entered Japan with anticipation of being allowed to re-enter Shanghai by mid-February. This later occurred, although he is now under house-arrest at his Shanghai apartment.
Déo Hasabumutima
Déo Hasabumutima
Name
Déo Hasabumutima
Original nationality
Burundian
Location
Istanbul Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
Period
16 June 2021 – 7 July 2021
Duration
21 days
On a transit from Niamey, Niger, he was refused boarding on a flight to Toronto, Canada because his Burundian passport was expired, despite possessing a valid Canadian permanent resident card.
He received assistance from the Canadian authorities.
On a transit from Niamey, Niger, he was refused boarding on a flight to Toronto, Canada because his Burundian passport was expired, despite possessing a valid Canadian permanent resident card.
He received assistance from the Canadian authorities.
Name
On a transit from Niamey, Niger, he was refused boarding on a flight to Toronto, Canada because his Burundian passport was expired, despite possessing a valid Canadian permanent resident card.
He received assistance from the Canadian authorities.
Zahra Kamalfar
Zahra Kamalfar
Name
Zahra Kamalfar
Original nationality
Iranian
Location
Sheremetyevo International Airport, Russia
Period
May–June 2006 – 15 March 2007
Duration
258–318 days
Fleeing persecution in Iran with her family using falsified documents to seek asylum in Canada via Germany and Russia. The documents were rejected by German authorities and she was returned to Russia.
Asylum was granted by the Canadian government.
Fleeing persecution in Iran with her family using falsified documents to seek asylum in Canada via Germany and Russia. The documents were rejected by German authorities and she was returned to Russia.
Asylum was granted by the Canadian government.
Name
Fleeing persecution in Iran with her family using falsified documents to seek asylum in Canada via Germany and Russia. The documents were rejected by German authorities and she was returned to Russia.
Asylum was granted by the Canadian government.
Ahmed Kannan
Ahmed Kannan
Name
Ahmed Kannan
Original nationality
Palestinian
Location
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, Malaysia
Period
21 May – 13 July 2013
Duration
53 days
Arrived without passport because it had been confiscated in Turkey. After having overstayed during May 2013 in Malaysia, he had flown from Kuala Lumpur to Turkey, but without a visa. His passport was seized by Turkish immigration and he was deported back to Kuala Lumpur.
Released on 13 July 2013, granted 30-days Malaysian visa on humanitarian grounds.
Arrived without passport because it had been confiscated in Turkey. After having overstayed during May 2013 in Malaysia, he had flown from Kuala Lumpur to Turkey, but without a visa. His passport was seized by Turkish immigration and he was deported back to Kuala Lumpur.
Released on 13 July 2013, granted 30-days Malaysian visa on humanitarian grounds.
Name
Arrived without passport because it had been confiscated in Turkey. After having overstayed during May 2013 in Malaysia, he had flown from Kuala Lumpur to Turkey, but without a visa. His passport was seized by Turkish immigration and he was deported back to Kuala Lumpur.
Released on 13 July 2013, granted 30-days Malaysian visa on humanitarian grounds.
Arlen Khadaa
Arlen Khadaa
Name
Arlen Khadaa
Original nationality
Kyrgyzstani-Soviet
Location
Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Period
January 19, 2019 – October 8, 2020
Duration
628 days
Lost Soviet citizenship at dissolution of the USSR. Was rejected Norwegian residence permit and citizenship and returned to Kyrgyzstan.
Sent to Norway on October 8, 2020, subject of a 2023 Norwegian documentary film "The Airportman" (Flyplassmannen).
Lost Soviet citizenship at dissolution of the USSR. Was rejected Norwegian residence permit and citizenship and returned to Kyrgyzstan.
Sent to Norway on October 8, 2020, subject of a 2023 Norwegian documentary film "The Airportman" (Flyplassmannen).
Name
Lost Soviet citizenship at dissolution of the USSR. Was rejected Norwegian residence permit and citizenship and returned to Kyrgyzstan.
Sent to Norway on October 8, 2020, subject of a 2023 Norwegian documentary film "The Airportman" (Flyplassmannen).
Denis Luiz de Souza
Denis Luiz de Souza
Name
Denis Luiz de Souza
Original nationality
Brazilian
Location
São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport, Brazil
Period
Circa 2000–Present
Duration
9418 days (approx. 24–25 years; exact dates unknown)
Had frequent conflicts at home, deciding to take refuge in the airport. Seems to suffer from psychological problems.
Still lives in the airport, but comes out occasionally.
Had frequent conflicts at home, deciding to take refuge in the airport. Seems to suffer from psychological problems.
Still lives in the airport, but comes out occasionally.
Name
Had frequent conflicts at home, deciding to take refuge in the airport. Seems to suffer from psychological problems.
Still lives in the airport, but comes out occasionally.
Eissa Muhamad
Eissa Muhamad
Name
Eissa Muhamad
Original nationality
Nigerien
Location
Addis Ababa International Airport
Period
November 2018 – August 2019
Duration
300 days (approx.; exact dates unknown)
Expelled from Israel after being caught without proper documents. On his way back to Niger, he transited to Addis Ababa. Niger refused to let him in, claiming the temporary travel documents were fake. He got stuck in Addis Ababa, where neither Israel nor Niger would take him back.
Now living in Senegal.
Expelled from Israel after being caught without proper documents. On his way back to Niger, he transited to Addis Ababa. Niger refused to let him in, claiming the temporary travel documents were fake. He got stuck in Addis Ababa, where neither Israel nor Niger would take him back.
Now living in Senegal.
Name
Expelled from Israel after being caught without proper documents. On his way back to Niger, he transited to Addis Ababa. Niger refused to let him in, claiming the temporary travel documents were fake. He got stuck in Addis Ababa, where neither Israel nor Niger would take him back.
Now living in Senegal.
Heinz Müller
Heinz Müller
Name
Heinz Müller
Original nationality
German
Location
Viracopos-Campinas International Airport, Brazil
Period
October 16–29, 2009
Duration
13 days
Flew to Rio de Janeiro to meet with a woman he met online, who did not show up. Ran out of money and ended up in Campinas.
Taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation.
Flew to Rio de Janeiro to meet with a woman he met online, who did not show up. Ran out of money and ended up in Campinas.
Taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation.
Name
Flew to Rio de Janeiro to meet with a woman he met online, who did not show up. Ran out of money and ended up in Campinas.
Taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation.
Mehran Karimi Nasseri
Mehran Karimi Nasseri
Name
Mehran Karimi Nasseri
Profile
Original nationality
Iranian
Location
Charles de Gaulle Airport, France
Period
26 August 1988 – July 2006Mid-September – 12 November 2022
Duration
6518–6548 days(17.84–17.93 years)Up to 60 days on the 2nd stay.
Originally from Iran, was given refugee status by UNHCR and claimed that his documents were stolen in Paris en route to the United Kingdom. He was refused entry and declined new papers due to changing his own name and place of birth. He became homeless again in 2022 and died later that year of a heart attack.
Hospitalised, stayed in hotel by Red Cross and was then moved to Paris by Emmaus. During his second stay, he died of a heart attack.
Originally from Iran, was given refugee status by UNHCR and claimed that his documents were stolen in Paris en route to the United Kingdom. He was refused entry and declined new papers due to changing his own name and place of birth. He became homeless again in 2022 and died later that year of a heart attack.
Hospitalised, stayed in hotel by Red Cross and was then moved to Paris by Emmaus. During his second stay, he died of a heart attack.
Name
Originally from Iran, was given refugee status by UNHCR and claimed that his documents were stolen in Paris en route to the United Kingdom. He was refused entry and declined new papers due to changing his own name and place of birth. He became homeless again in 2022 and died later that year of a heart attack.
Hospitalised, stayed in hotel by Red Cross and was then moved to Paris by Emmaus. During his second stay, he died of a heart attack.
Hiroshi Nohara
Hiroshi Nohara
Name
Hiroshi Nohara
Original nationality
Japanese
Location
Mexico City International Airport, Mexico
Period
2 September – 28 December 2008
Duration
117 days
Declined to give his reasons.
Left with a woman identified as Oyuki.
Declined to give his reasons.
Left with a woman identified as Oyuki.
Name
Declined to give his reasons.
Left with a woman identified as Oyuki.
Yvonne Paul
Yvonne Paul
Name
Yvonne Paul
Profile
Original nationality
Dutch
Location
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Netherlands
Period
11 October 1967 – 5 January 1968
Duration
86 days
Previously lived in USA, and had been deported as a result of expiring immigration documents. Set up a temporary base in Schiphol Airport whilst attempting to get new immigration documents.
After a formal request to vacate was ignored, arrested on the 5th of January 1968.
Previously lived in USA, and had been deported as a result of expiring immigration documents. Set up a temporary base in Schiphol Airport whilst attempting to get new immigration documents.
After a formal request to vacate was ignored, arrested on the 5th of January 1968.
Name
Previously lived in USA, and had been deported as a result of expiring immigration documents. Set up a temporary base in Schiphol Airport whilst attempting to get new immigration documents.
After a formal request to vacate was ignored, arrested on the 5th of January 1968.
Sanjay Shah (former Kenyan national)
Sanjay Shah (former Kenyan national)
Name
Sanjay Shah (former Kenyan national)
Original nationality
Kenyan
Location
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Period
June 2004 – July 2005
Duration
395 days (approx. 13 months; exact dates unknown)
Shah spent 13 months living in the duty-free section of Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, petitioning for full British citizenship. This was eventually granted on the grounds that he had already given up his former Kenyan citizenship.
Shah spent 13 months living in the duty-free section of Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, petitioning for full British citizenship. This was eventually granted on the grounds that he had already given up his former Kenyan citizenship.
Name
Shah spent 13 months living in the duty-free section of Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, petitioning for full British citizenship. This was eventually granted on the grounds that he had already given up his former Kenyan citizenship.
Aditya Singh
Aditya Singh
Name
Aditya Singh
Original nationality
Indian
Location
O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, United States
Period
19 October 2020 – 16 January 2021
Duration
89 days
Decided not to take his connecting flight to India due to fear of COVID-19.
Arrested in January 2021, cleared of charges in late 2021.
Decided not to take his connecting flight to India due to fear of COVID-19.
Arrested in January 2021, cleared of charges in late 2021.
Name
Decided not to take his connecting flight to India due to fear of COVID-19.
Arrested in January 2021, cleared of charges in late 2021.
Edward Snowden
Edward Snowden
Name
Edward Snowden
Profile
Original nationality
American
Location
Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow, Russia
Period
23 June – 1 August 2013
Duration
39 days
While on a flight to Moscow-Sheremetyevo, authorities revoked Snowden's U.S. passport.
Granted temporary asylum in Russia. Later received Russian citizenship.
While on a flight to Moscow-Sheremetyevo, authorities revoked Snowden's U.S. passport.
Granted temporary asylum in Russia. Later received Russian citizenship.
Name
While on a flight to Moscow-Sheremetyevo, authorities revoked Snowden's U.S. passport.
Granted temporary asylum in Russia. Later received Russian citizenship.
Bayram Tepeli
Bayram Tepeli
Name
Bayram Tepeli
Original nationality
Turkish
Location
Atatürk Airport
Period
1991–2019
Duration
9862 days (approx. 27 years; exact dates unknown)
Ran away from family problems and worked at the airport for a while. Eventually became sick, and could not work anymore, but decided to keep living at the airport.
Airport closed for commercial passenger travel in 2019, so he had to leave. Now lives in Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Ran away from family problems and worked at the airport for a while. Eventually became sick, and could not work anymore, but decided to keep living at the airport.
Airport closed for commercial passenger travel in 2019, so he had to leave. Now lives in Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Name
Ran away from family problems and worked at the airport for a while. Eventually became sick, and could not work anymore, but decided to keep living at the airport.
Airport closed for commercial passenger travel in 2019, so he had to leave. Now lives in Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Bayram Tepeli
Bayram Tepeli
Name
Bayram Tepeli
Original nationality
Turkish
Location
Sabiha Gokcen Airport
Period
2019 – present
Duration
1825 days
Ran away from family problems and worked at the airport for a while. Eventually became sick, and could not work anymore, but decided to keep living at the Ataturk Airport. After airport closed for commercial passenger travel in 2019, he had been living in Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Ran away from family problems and worked at the airport for a while. Eventually became sick, and could not work anymore, but decided to keep living at the Ataturk Airport. After airport closed for commercial passenger travel in 2019, he had been living in Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Name
Ran away from family problems and worked at the airport for a while. Eventually became sick, and could not work anymore, but decided to keep living at the Ataturk Airport. After airport closed for commercial passenger travel in 2019, he had been living in Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Abo Tetsuya
Abo Tetsuya
Name
Abo Tetsuya
Original nationality
Japanese
Location
Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow, Russia
Period
29 May 2015 – 9 August 2015
Duration
72 days
Claimed to be a journalist, and that his seeking asylum was politically motivated. Hoped to receive Russian citizenship.
Denied political asylum in Russia.
Claimed to be a journalist, and that his seeking asylum was politically motivated. Hoped to receive Russian citizenship.
Denied political asylum in Russia.
Name
Claimed to be a journalist, and that his seeking asylum was politically motivated. Hoped to receive Russian citizenship.
Denied political asylum in Russia.
Wei Jianguo
Wei Jianguo
Name
Wei Jianguo
Original nationality
Chinese
Location
Beijing Capital International Airport
Period
c. 2008 – present
Duration
6496 days (approx. 16–17 years; exact dates unknown)
Wanted to smoke and drink without his family bothering him. Also had difficulty finding work.
Still lives in the airport, but comes out occasionally.
Wanted to smoke and drink without his family bothering him. Also had difficulty finding work.
Still lives in the airport, but comes out occasionally.
Name
Wanted to smoke and drink without his family bothering him. Also had difficulty finding work.
Still lives in the airport, but comes out occasionally.
Lisa Lee Wink
Lisa Lee Wink
Name
Lisa Lee Wink
Original nationality
Canadian
Location
Cancún International Airport, Cancún, Mexico
Period
13 April 2023 – 15 May 2023
Duration
32 days
Unknown
Deported for aggressive behavior against other passengers.
Unknown
Deported for aggressive behavior against other passengers.
Name
Unknown
Deported for aggressive behavior against other passengers.
Yan Kefen and Liu Xinglian
Yan Kefen and Liu Xinglian
Name
Yan Kefen and Liu Xinglian
Original nationality
Chinese
Location
Taoyuan International Airport, Republic of China
Period
27 September 2018 – 30 January 2019
Duration
125 days
Were trying to seek asylum in Taiwan during their transit, but they were refused for entry while their asylum applications were being considered by Taiwanese authorities.
Allowed to enter Taiwan on 30 January 2019. Finally admitted into Canada in May and July, respectively.
Were trying to seek asylum in Taiwan during their transit, but they were refused for entry while their asylum applications were being considered by Taiwanese authorities.
Allowed to enter Taiwan on 30 January 2019. Finally admitted into Canada in May and July, respectively.
Name
Were trying to seek asylum in Taiwan during their transit, but they were refused for entry while their asylum applications were being considered by Taiwanese authorities.
Allowed to enter Taiwan on 30 January 2019. Finally admitted into Canada in May and July, respectively.
Edgard Ziebart
Edgard Ziebart
Name
Edgard Ziebart
Original nationality
German
Location
Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
Period
18 March – 12 May 2020
Duration
55 days
Prevented from embarking on the last leg of his flight when India imposed restrictions amid the coronavirus crisis. Refused German embassy evacuation flights, fearing prosecution for criminal offences.
Left on a KLM repatriation flight to Amsterdam.
Prevented from embarking on the last leg of his flight when India imposed restrictions amid the coronavirus crisis. Refused German embassy evacuation flights, fearing prosecution for criminal offences.
Left on a KLM repatriation flight to Amsterdam.
Name
Prevented from embarking on the last leg of his flight when India imposed restrictions amid the coronavirus crisis. Refused German embassy evacuation flights, fearing prosecution for criminal offences.
Left on a KLM repatriation flight to Amsterdam.
| Name | Profile | Original nationality | Location | Period | Duration |
| Khasan Aman Abdo, Gulistan Issa Shakho, and four children | Syrian | Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow, Russia | 10 September 2015 – 20 November 2015 | 71 days | |
| Family of Kurdish refugees fleeing the Iraqi Civil War who intended to seek asylum in Russia. After being initially denied entry into the country, they remained at the airport. The family was moved to a facility for temporary accommodation while they await further processing of their asylum application.[needs update] | |||||
| Mohammed Al Bahish | Iraqi-Palestinian | Almaty International Airport, Almaty, Kazakhstan | March 20 – August 17, 2013 | 150 days | |
| In Kazakhstan, while registering intention to marry, his refugee travel documents went missing, and his Kazakh and Emirati visas expired. Later flew to Turkey in the hope of renewing his Kazakh visa, but was turned back at the border. Subsequently, flown back and forth four times and refused entry by either country. Allowed to go to a UNHRC refugee transit centre in Timișoara, Romania, and later granted asylum in Finland. | |||||
| Hassan Al Kontar | Syrian | Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, Malaysia | 7 March – 1 October 2018 | 208 days | |
| Deported to Malaysia in 2017 after overstaying in the UAE for 5 years. During his stay, he saved money to buy a plane ticket to Ecuador, but was turned away by Turkish Airlines staff for unexplained reasons. He then attempted to fly to Cambodia after overstaying his Malaysian visa, but was denied entry and deported. Briefly detained by Malaysian immigration authorities for two months, until his asylum request was granted by the Canadian government. | |||||
| Arwa Almsrawi | Syrian | Istanbul Airport, Istanbul, Turkey | February 2024 – September 2024 | 240 days (.mw- approx. 8 months; exact dates unknown) | |
| Prevented from embarking on a flight to Toronto after landing in Turkey due to US authorities alleging she was on the American No Fly List. The Canadian Government later revoked her refugee status. Given temporary Turkish residence. | |||||
| Gary Peter Austin | British | Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippines | 19 December 2012 – 11 January 2013 | 23 days | |
| Missed his flight. He had run out of money to book a new flight. Donors paid for a ticket back to the United Kingdom. | |||||
| Bahareh Zare Bahari | Iranian | Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila | 17 October – 6 November 2019 | 20 days | |
| Detained upon return to the Philippines from a trip to Dubai after Iran sought her via an Interpol Red Notice. The Philippine justice department recognized Bahari as a refugee on 6 November. | |||||
| Iyad El-Baghdadi | | Palestinian | Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia | 13 May – 8 June 2014 | 26 days |
| Deported to Malaysia by the UAE, not wanting to be detained there indefinitely without formal charges. Was then denied entry at the Kuala Lumpur airport because he had no official documents. The Palestinian Embassy issued him a passport, and officials in Kuala Lumpur admitted him into the country. He then left Malaysia for Norway, applying for political asylum. | |||||
| Feng Zhenghu | | Chinese | Narita International Airport, Japan | 9 November 2009 – 3 February 2010 | 86 days |
| Began protesting after being refused re-entry into China. Visited by several Chinese diplomats and entered Japan with anticipation of being allowed to re-enter Shanghai by mid-February. This later occurred, although he is now under house-arrest at his Shanghai apartment. | |||||
| Déo Hasabumutima | Burundian | Istanbul Airport, Istanbul, Turkey | 16 June 2021 – 7 July 2021 | 21 days | |
| On a transit from Niamey, Niger, he was refused boarding on a flight to Toronto, Canada because his Burundian passport was expired, despite possessing a valid Canadian permanent resident card. He received assistance from the Canadian authorities. | |||||
| Zahra Kamalfar | Iranian | Sheremetyevo International Airport, Russia | May–June 2006 – 15 March 2007 | 258–318 days | |
| Fleeing persecution in Iran with her family using falsified documents to seek asylum in Canada via Germany and Russia. The documents were rejected by German authorities and she was returned to Russia. Asylum was granted by the Canadian government. | |||||
| Ahmed Kannan | Palestinian | Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Sepang, Malaysia | 21 May – 13 July 2013 | 53 days | |
| Arrived without passport because it had been confiscated in Turkey. After having overstayed during May 2013 in Malaysia, he had flown from Kuala Lumpur to Turkey, but without a visa. His passport was seized by Turkish immigration and he was deported back to Kuala Lumpur. Released on 13 July 2013, granted 30-days Malaysian visa on humanitarian grounds. | |||||
| Arlen Khadaa | Kyrgyzstani-Soviet | Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | January 19, 2019 – October 8, 2020 | 628 days | |
| Lost Soviet citizenship at dissolution of the USSR. Was rejected Norwegian residence permit and citizenship and returned to Kyrgyzstan. Sent to Norway on October 8, 2020, subject of a 2023 Norwegian documentary film "The Airportman" (Flyplassmannen). | |||||
| Denis Luiz de Souza | Brazilian | São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport, Brazil | Circa 2000–Present | 9418 days (approx. 24–25 years; exact dates unknown) | |
| Had frequent conflicts at home, deciding to take refuge in the airport. Seems to suffer from psychological problems. Still lives in the airport, but comes out occasionally. | |||||
| Eissa Muhamad | Nigerien | Addis Ababa International Airport | November 2018 – August 2019 | 300 days (approx.; exact dates unknown) | |
| Expelled from Israel after being caught without proper documents. On his way back to Niger, he transited to Addis Ababa. Niger refused to let him in, claiming the temporary travel documents were fake. He got stuck in Addis Ababa, where neither Israel nor Niger would take him back. Now living in Senegal. | |||||
| Heinz Müller | German | Viracopos-Campinas International Airport, Brazil | October 16–29, 2009 | 13 days | |
| Flew to Rio de Janeiro to meet with a woman he met online, who did not show up. Ran out of money and ended up in Campinas. Taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation. | |||||
| Mehran Karimi Nasseri | | Iranian | Charles de Gaulle Airport, France | 26 August 1988 – July 2006Mid-September – 12 November 2022 | 6518–6548 days(17.84–17.93 years)Up to 60 days on the 2nd stay. |
| Originally from Iran, was given refugee status by UNHCR and claimed that his documents were stolen in Paris en route to the United Kingdom. He was refused entry and declined new papers due to changing his own name and place of birth. He became homeless again in 2022 and died later that year of a heart attack. Hospitalised, stayed in hotel by Red Cross and was then moved to Paris by Emmaus. During his second stay, he died of a heart attack. | |||||
| Hiroshi Nohara | Japanese | Mexico City International Airport, Mexico | 2 September – 28 December 2008 | 117 days | |
| Declined to give his reasons. Left with a woman identified as Oyuki. | |||||
| Yvonne Paul | | Dutch | Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Netherlands | 11 October 1967 – 5 January 1968 | 86 days |
| Previously lived in USA, and had been deported as a result of expiring immigration documents. Set up a temporary base in Schiphol Airport whilst attempting to get new immigration documents. After a formal request to vacate was ignored, arrested on the 5th of January 1968. | |||||
| Sanjay Shah (former Kenyan national) | Kenyan | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport | June 2004 – July 2005 | 395 days (approx. 13 months; exact dates unknown) | |
| Shah spent 13 months living in the duty-free section of Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, petitioning for full British citizenship. This was eventually granted on the grounds that he had already given up his former Kenyan citizenship. | |||||
| Aditya Singh | Indian | O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, United States | 19 October 2020 – 16 January 2021 | 89 days | |
| Decided not to take his connecting flight to India due to fear of COVID-19. Arrested in January 2021, cleared of charges in late 2021. | |||||
| Edward Snowden | | American | Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow, Russia | 23 June – 1 August 2013 | 39 days |
| While on a flight to Moscow-Sheremetyevo, authorities revoked Snowden's U.S. passport. Granted temporary asylum in Russia. Later received Russian citizenship. | |||||
| Bayram Tepeli | Turkish | Atatürk Airport | 1991–2019 | 9862 days (approx. 27 years; exact dates unknown) | |
| Ran away from family problems and worked at the airport for a while. Eventually became sick, and could not work anymore, but decided to keep living at the airport. Airport closed for commercial passenger travel in 2019, so he had to leave. Now lives in Sabiha Gökçen Airport. | |||||
| Bayram Tepeli | Turkish | Sabiha Gokcen Airport | 2019 – present | 1825 days | |
| Ran away from family problems and worked at the airport for a while. Eventually became sick, and could not work anymore, but decided to keep living at the Ataturk Airport. After airport closed for commercial passenger travel in 2019, he had been living in Sabiha Gokcen Airport. | |||||
| Abo Tetsuya | Japanese | Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow, Russia | 29 May 2015 – 9 August 2015 | 72 days | |
| Claimed to be a journalist, and that his seeking asylum was politically motivated. Hoped to receive Russian citizenship. Denied political asylum in Russia. | |||||
| Wei Jianguo | Chinese | Beijing Capital International Airport | c. 2008 – present | 6496 days (approx. 16–17 years; exact dates unknown) | |
References
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- "A refugee family's ordeal in Russia"https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/11/30/refugee-familys-ordeal-russia
- BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23350294
- "Marooned at an airport... then what?"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-25183330
- BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-44738942/this-syrian-man-has-been-stuck-in-an-airport-for-months
- The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/26/hassan-al-kontar-syrian-refugee-stranded-airport-asylum-canada-Vancouver
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- CNNhttps://www.cnn.com/2019/10/28/asia/iran-beauty-contestant-philippines-asylum-intl-hnk/index.html
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- The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/13/chinese-activist-japan-airport
- Saudi Gazettehttps://web.archive.org/web/20131203021334/http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=2010020362245
- The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/12/AR2010021205011.html
- Radio-Canadahttps://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1805783/canada-resident-istanbul-turquie-immigration-avion-aide
- "(MAJ) Au lendemain de questions posées au ministre des Affaires étrangères, Marc Garneau, ce résident canadien a eu, enfin, des nouvelles d'Immigration Canada. Hier, après 21 jr dans une zone de transit de l'aéroport d'Istanbul, Deo Hasabumutima a pu prendre l'avion vers le 🇨🇦"https://twitter.com/RomainSchue/status/1413108696167731200
- "Emotional reunion for Iranian family at Vancouver airport"https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/emotional-reunion-for-iranian-family-at-vancouver-airport-1.637841
- The Starhttps://web.archive.org/web/20140219173329/http://www.thestar.com.my:80/News/Nation/2013/07/13/A-man-who-calls-KLIA-his-home-22yearold-Palestinian-stuck-at-airport-for-more-than-50-days.aspx/
- The Starhttps://web.archive.org/web/20140219085551/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/07/14/Happy-ending-for-Ahmed-Terminal-Mans-ordeal-over-as-he-is-allowed-to-reenter-Msia.aspx/
- "Stateless man trapped at Manas airport in Bishkek for 4 months"https://akipress.com/news:618100:Stateless_man_trapped_at_Manas_airport_in_Bishkek_for_4_months/
- "Stateless man living in secure zone of Manas airport for 3 months"https://24.kg/english/114026_Stateless_man_living_in_secure_zone_of_Manas_airport_for_3_months/
- "Strandet på flyplassen i Kirgisistan"https://www.nrk.no/norge/strandet-pa-flyplassen-i-kirgisistan-1.15122366
- "Flyplassmannen"https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29733519/
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- "Israel deportee marooned in airport for months"https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47115880
- Twitterhttps://twitter.com/eissamuhamad2
- "Headline: Ex-Pilot Lives in Brazilian Airport After Being Dumped"https://web.archive.org/web/20130719091628/http://news.travel.aol.com/2009/11/02/headline-ex-pilot-lives-in-brazilian-airport-after-being-dumped/
- "Stranded at the Airport"http://www.snopes.com/travel/airline/airport.asp
- h2g2https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A33471100
- "Iranian refugee who inspired Spielberg's film 'The Terminal' dies inside Paris airport"https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/12/europe/the-terminal-movie-paris-airport-mehran-karimi-nasseri-dies-intl-hnk/index.html
- "Japan Tourist Extends Layover at Mexico Airport: 85 Days So Far"https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aNDTpR57t98k&refer=home
- "Man living at Mexico airport has a new home"https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28424201
- "Yvonne Paul: "Ik blijf""https://web.archive.org/web/20121104020042/http://www.grenswetenschap.nl/permalink.asp?grens=8829
- "Africa | UK waves in Kenya airport dweller"https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4635011.stm
- International Herald Tribunehttp://www.iht.com/articles/2005/06/30/news/journal.php
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/30/international/africa/30airport.html?8hpib=&pagewanted=print
- chicagotribune.comhttps://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-ohare-trespasser-arrest-20210117-aad2craysvehzmk5rm6l23p3l4-story.html
- Chicago Tribunehttps://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-ohare-airport-interloper-singh-20211027-23igtwdecjh5tgfog5wwihfxtq-story.html
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- DailySabahhttps://www.dailysabah.com/istanbul/2018/12/02/terminal-date-close-for-man-who-has-lived-in-ataturk-airport-for-27-years
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- Vallarta Dailyhttps://www.vallartadaily.com/canadian-woman-has-lived-for-15-days-in-the-cancun-airport/
- issuuhttps://issuu.com/poresto/docs/poresto_cancun_edici_nimpresa_15demayodel2023
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- Apple Dailyhttps://tw.appledaily.com/new/realtime/20181005/1442609/
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- "滯留台灣233天 顏克芬終轉抵加拿大"https://www.cna.com.tw/news/firstnews/201905210066.aspx
- Central News Agencyhttps://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/201907210059.aspx
- Hindustan Timeshttps://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/german-man-living-at-delhi-airport-since-march-18-leaves-for-amsterdam-on-a-relief-flight/story-ej5keo9muvs7uxkwpqshin.html
- Deutsche Wellehttps://www.dw.com/en/german-man-stuck-2-months-in-indian-airport/a-53410412