Every summer, millions of Americans take time off from work for a much-needed holiday. Airports fill with families juggling carry-ons and boarding passes. For most, the experience is tedious but predictable: security lines, flight delays, overpriced coffee. The same was true for New Jersey couple Abdellatif and Sandra Hafraoui, who, in August 2025, were at Newark Airport, on their way to a trip to Fort Myers, Florida, that they had planned with friends. The itinerary was set. Rental cars reserved. An Airbnb booked and paid for.
They didn't make it past the gate.
