Portsmouth couple Lewis Mundy and Kimberley Floyd, both 27, excitedly flew out to Kos last month from Gatwick on their first foreign holiday together, the Mirror reports.

However, shortly after stepping off the aircraft in Kos, the pair realised they didn’t have their passports, which they believed they left tucked in the magazine pocket of their seats.

They were denied re-entry to the aircraft and despite a search of the aircraft, their passports could not be found. Within 30 minutes, they were on a flight back to the UK.

"We were supposed to be sunning it up in Greece but instead ended up at Stansted,” said Mundy after the couple abandoned the week-long £1,400 holiday, booked through First Choice.

A Tui spokesperson said: "We’re sorry to hear of Mr Mundy and Ms Floyd’s very rare experience on their flight to Greece.

"As a result of not having their passports, they were not allowed into the country and were flown back to the UK. After searching the aircraft thoroughly, we can confirm their passports were not found.

"We would like to remind customers, as we generally do before they leave the aircraft, to ensure they have all their personal possessions with them and to take responsibility of their personal items at all times."