Greek man who missed ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines plane pens emotional post

Greek man Antonis Mavropoulos on Sunday revealed how he missed the ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed just six minutes after take-off, killing all 157 on board.

Through a long Facebook post, Mavropoulos narrated that when he arrived at the airport, the boarding area was already closed and officials declined to allow him in.

“Running to catch flight et 302 Addis Ababa - Nairobi, which crashed 6 minutes after taking off, I had my nerves because there was no one to help me go fast.

“I missed it by two minutes. When I arrived, the boarding was closed and I watched the last passengers in the tunnel go in,” he said.

He further added that he was booked on the next flight that was scheduled to leave at 11:20 am and airport officials profusely apologized for inconveniencing him.

About thirty minutes before their departure, Mavropoulos was again denied access to the plane and he was led to the airport’s police department to record a statement.

He later learnt that officials needed his details because the earlier flight was missing.

“As we joined the next flight, two security officers informed me that for security reasons (that a senior officer would explain to me) they will not allow my boarding…

“He told me gently not to protest and thank God because I was the only passenger who did not enter the flight et 302 which is missing…At first, I thought he was lying, but his style left no margin of doubt,” he said.

Mavropolous added that he quickly went online to get in touch with friends who informed him that the earlier flight was yet to land.

He later learnt that the Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines Boeing plane had crashed minutes after take-off, killing all passengers and crew.

He quickly reached out to family and friends to inform them that he was not on the flight and explained why.

“I'm so glad I wrote a post and I'm grateful to live and that I have so many friends that made me feel their love - kisses to all and a warm thank you for your touching support…and a big sorry to my family for the shock you've gone through.

“Maybe not too old to rock n roll - but certainly too young to die...” he concluded.