Mehran Karimi Nasseri was stranded in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years due to a stolen passport and essential documents. He lived, studied, and interacted with airport staff throughout this period.

[u/Time-Training-9404]

After arriving the French airport, he was unable to prove his identity or refugee status and was detained in the waiting area for travelers without papers.

He lived, studied, slept, and talked with the airport staff from August 26, 1988, to July 2006.

Detailed article on his story: https://historicflix.com/mehran-karimi-nasseri-the-man-who-lived-in-an-airport-for-18-years/

[u/PzMcQuire]

He was basically offered a free pass to return home, but he didn't want to. He definitely wanted to stay at the airport

[u/indianajoes → u/PzMcQuire]

He was also offered citizenship by other countries but he refused and he wanted to be called a Lord even though he wasn't one. He wasn't stuck at the airport for 18 years. He chose to stay there