First “One In, One Out” Deportation Flight Departs Without Migrants Amid Legal Challenges

Published: 16 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

The UK’s first deportation flight under the “one in, one out” agreement with France reportedly left Heathrow Airport without any passengers who crossed the Channel, sources say. The scheme, introduced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, was intended to return individuals who entered the UK via small boats to France in exchange for those approved to travel to Britain.

According to multiple media reports, a small group of individuals scheduled for removal from an Air France flight on Monday were prevented from boarding following a legal challenge. Despite the absence of these passengers, the flight proceeded as planned, marking one of several departures booked by the Home Office this week as part of the pilot initiative. Government sources indicated that the first official deportation flights under the arrangement are still expected to occur later this week.

Earlier on Monday, skills minister Jacqui Smith declined to provide specific figures regarding how many individuals would be returned to France in the coming days. Meanwhile, French officials reportedly stated that they would initially accept only a limited number of deportees.

The bilateral scheme was announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK in July and aims to formalise the exchange of asylum seekers. Under the arrangement, asylum seekers who arrive in the UK via small boats can be sent back to France, while those applying successfully to enter the UK from France will be allowed to travel under the programme.

Formal removal directions have reportedly been issued to individuals who arrived in the UK last month, instructing them that deportation would occur within five days.

The number of people crossing the Channel to the UK has surged past 30,000 so far this year, reaching this figure earlier than at any point since official tracking began in 2018. The developments surrounding the initial deportation flight highlight the legal and logistical complexities facing the UK government as it attempts to manage migration while adhering to international agreements and domestic legal challenges.