AN ITALIAN couple learned the hard way that you can’t hail down a moving aircraft similar to a departing bus or taxi.

The pair was forced to pay more than $3370 in fines after chasing their departing aircraft down the tarmac, the Times of Malta reports.

The situation reportedly began when Enrica Apollonio, 23, and Matteo Clementi, 26, were delayed on their way to Malta International Airport (MLA), where they were scheduled to catch a Ryanair flight back to Italy.

By the time they arrived at the airport, it was too late: the doors to their flight had closed and the two were not allowed to board.

That’s when the couple took matters into their own hands. Airport officials say they ran to another gate, opened an emergency fire exit and went onto the tarmac. The couple hoped they would be able to prevent their Ryanair flight from taxiing and somehow board the aircraft. Instead, the two were apprehended by security staff, and charged with violations of Matla’s Airports and the Civil Aviation Security Act.

MLA officials said that although the incident was out of their control, they were glad it ended without major incident.

“MLA staff and partners responded to this situation immediately and effectively, ensuring that the passengers were apprehended and passed on to the police,” an airport representative told the Times of Malta.

“MLA regrets that a holiday to Malta had to end in this way but reminds passengers that safety and security are of the utmost importance at any airport and such issues cannot be dealt with lightly.”

Both persons were convicted and will be forced to pay up. A lawyer for the pair said they were looking forward to celebrating Apollonio’s birthday on the island, “but instead spent it in a cell”.

Ryanair did not offer a comment on the incident.

This article originally appeared on FlyerTalk.com.