'I felt helpless' - Distressed mum has luggage stolen while breastfeeding her baby at London Gatwick airport
It was meant to be a simple stop at Gatwick Airport before the next stage of her journey. Instead, for Kawtar Boudad, a mother of two young girls, it became one of the most distressing moments of her life.
On 30 October, Kawtar was in Gatwick’s South Terminal ,near the British airways office trying to feed her two-year-old daughter in the baby changing room. The mum, who lives in France said the space was so small, that even attempting to push the trolley inside would have trapped her and her children.
“I had no choice but to leave my suitcase just outside the door,” she recalls. “It was only a few steps away. I could see it from where I stood at first. But when I came out, it was gone.”
Inside that suitcase were her original university certificates and an SD card containing 10 years of photos and memories , items that cannot be replaced. Kawtar had planned to use her certificates to complete her application for a master’s degree in Economics Research at the University of Cambridge.
“I just stood there, frozen,” she said. “I felt helpless. All my memories, all my hard work, everything that represented who I am, disappeared in minutes while I was breastfeeding my baby.”
Kawtar immediately reported the theft to Sussex Police. The crime reference number is 47250215511, but so far, no suspect has been identified. Kawtar said the CCTV footage wasn't enough to recognize the suspect through facial recognition.
Now back home in France with her daughters, she says the experience has left her shaken.
“It’s not only about what I lost,” she explains. “It’s about the feeling that even in a place where you should feel safe, an international airport, in a family area ,you’re still vulnerable, especially as a mother alone with children.”
Kawtar hopes speaking out will help spark change. “I want airports to think about how these spaces are designed," she said. “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between feeding their children and protecting their belongings. And I still hope someone, somewhere, might find my suitcase or at least my memory card. Those photos are my life.”
London Gatwick does have specially equipped rooms for breastfeeding and baby changing throughout the airport and said they are supporting police with their investigation.
A spokesperson for London Gatwick said: “We are aware of a theft of an unattended bag on October 30, which is being investigated by Sussex Police. We are in contact with the police and remain available to support their investigation. We have specially equipped rooms for breastfeeding and baby changing located throughout the airport, including check-in areas, departure lounges, transfer areas and arrivals.
"The rooms are clearly signposted by a baby care symbol and are designed to meet the needs of all passengers, with enough space for those travelling with luggage trolleys.
“For more info on travelling with children visit our website - Travelling With Children | London Gatwick Airport.”