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No need to risk the channel — migrants take the air route

People-smugglers are charging those looking for a safer way to get to Britain thousands of pounds for fake passports and plane tickets
The Home Office has focused on those arriving in small boats, but experts say the number of asylum applicants arriving by air is likely to be higher
The Home Office has focused on those arriving in small boats, but experts say the number of asylum applicants arriving by air is likely to be higher
JACK HILL FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES

His heart pounding, Mohammed stood at a security desk in Vienna airport, watching as an officer leafed through his fake French passport. The young Iranian had left behind his family a few weeks earlier, paying a smuggler €10,000 to get him to Britain. This was the final stage of his journey: a £20 easyJet flight from Vienna to Bristol. He knew that his cover could be blown at any moment.

As he stood there the officer asked a question he didn’t understand.

“I don’t speak English,” he mumbled.

Mohammed started his journey from Tehran
Mohammed started his journey from Tehran
SIMON DAWSON/GETTY IMAGES

After a searching look, the officer let him through. The three friends who had walked through security with him weren’t so lucky. They were all stopped and taken into detention.

A few hours later Mohammed was on