LOOK: European tourist stuck at NAIA for over 100 days finally flies home
Estonian tourist Roman Trofimov at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Image: Facebook/Roman Trofimov
In what could be perceived as the real-life version of the character of Tom Hanks in “The Terminal”, an Estonian man got stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for more than 100 days.
After almost four months, Roman Trofimov was finally able to board a plane to return to his home country, as per his Facebook post last Tuesday, July 7. The tourist arrived in Manila on March 20, just a few days after the country was placed under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Trofimov thanked everyone who helped him get the word out about his situation. The tourist had been appealing on social media to help him get back home by documenting his stay at the airport.
Благодаря божей помощи и всем кто меня полдержал в это нелёгкое для меня время я сейчас лечу назад домой!!!Мой самолёт…
Posted by Roman Trofimov on Tuesday, July 7, 2020
On July 3, Trofimov said that after he arrived last March, he was denied entry inside the country. The airline that flew him in the Philippines allegedly took his passport and stopped its operations on the same day he landed. The airline explained that he had to wait until the ECQ had been lifted before he was allowed to fly back home.
“Estonian consulate is no help either,” Trofimov said. “I [am] held inside NAIA airport Terminal 1 for more than 100 days.”
Trofimov disclosed that he was a person with disability. His health had been deteriorating in the airport due to malnutrition and the lack of sunlight and fresh air.
The tourist showed his sleeping quarters at the passenger lodging facility at NAIA through a video. Trofimov said that during his first week at the airport, he was asked to move to terminal three, where he had to sleep on the floor or the metal bench for one week.
“There was no food, they [said] I had to buy my own food and I had to pay for my ticket now,” he said. The man added that he eventually got transferred to the sleeping quarters and was provided food after he got in touch with a counselor in Estonia.
I am European from Estonia held in Manila International Airport for more than 100 days need any help getting out of…
Posted by Roman Trofimov on Friday, July 3, 2020
The Estonian also showed some of the hygiene products given to him at the terminal, as per his post on July 7.
The bag of hygiene products had a pair of disposable slippers, a packet of shampoo, a few round cotton pads, a few pieces of cotton buds, a small tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush and a towel.
Предметы личной гигиены которые мне выдали в аэропорту.Personal hygine products i been given in airport.
Posted by Roman Trofimov on Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Trofimov admitted that he was getting depressed about his situation as he sees other passengers flying back to their homes every day, while he remains stuck in the terminal, according to his post on July 4.
Очень угнетает чувство осознания тошо что нахожусь фактически в заключении у авиакомпании AirAsia, каждый день через аэропорт проходят пассажиры летящие к себе домой, а я заперт здесь без возможности вернуться.
Posted by Roman Trofimov on Friday, July 3, 2020
After months of waiting, Trofimov announced yesterday, July 8, that he finally arrived at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands. The man said he was going to catch another plane to get to Estonia from Amsterdam.
Для всех кто хотел меня встретить к сожалению не успел на посадку на самолёт до Эстонии из Амстердама.Не вижу причин переживать днём раньше днём позже я бужу дома не делает разницы, моя главная цель была обрести свободу и выбраться из Филиппинского плена, и она достигнута. Я теперь свободный человек.
Posted by Roman Trofimov on Wednesday, July 8, 2020
As of this writing, he has just boarded a plane to Estonia, as seen on his post about an hour ago.
Сажусь на рейс в Эстонию прилетаю в 13:30.Boarding flight to Estonia now will arrive 13:30.
Posted by Roman Trofimov on Thursday, July 9, 2020
Trofimov began his trip in Russia and flew to Thailand on March 12. He then left Thailand on the evening of March 19 and arrived at NAIA on March 20. According to his travel itinerary, he was only meant to layover at NAIA before flying to Cebu. JB
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