The Live-Action Version of the Movie 'Terminal'... The Identity of the Man Living at a Chilean Airport for 2 Years

Haitian Man Staying and Eating at Chile Airport
Only Income Source, Small Change from Airport Users

A story has emerged about a man of Haitian nationality who has been living and staying at a Chilean airport for two years, much like the movie 'The Terminal.'

According to Chilean media outlets BiobioChile and TV Chilevision on the 21st (local time), Joseph (44), originally from Haiti, has been staying at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Chile since 2022. He entered Chile in 2016 seeking a job in the construction sector but was laid off after more than five years and has since been living at the airport.

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Pixabay]

Joseph, who carries his belongings on a small cart, earns his only income from small change given by airport users. His story became known after a passenger recorded a video and posted it on social media (SNS). In the video, Joseph said, "I have a (Haitian) passport," and added, "My goal is to go to Mexico, where I can receive humanitarian aid." Canal 13 reported that the ticket to Mexico can be purchased for about 400,000 Chilean pesos (approximately 580,000 KRW).

Movie poster of 'Terminal'.

Residents of Chile showed interest by comparing Joseph's story to the Hollywood film 'The Terminal,' starring Tom Hanks. The film depicts a man from Eastern Europe who, after a coup in his home country, is unable to return home or enter the United States and ends up living in the transit area of New York's JFK Airport for nine months.

BiobioChile reported that the Haitian Embassy in Chile is reviewing whether to provide consular assistance to Joseph.

Netizens who came across the story expressed various reactions such as "Wishing him luck," "Living at the airport for two years, a real-life 'Terminal,'" and "Is it even possible to live at an airport?"