A Bolivian national was so anxious to catch his missed flight to the Canary Islands that he broke through the anti-fire barrier to jump off an airbridge and and chase after the departing plane across the tarmac.

The passenger managed to bypass security at the Madrid-Barajas Airport to leap about two to three metres from the extendable corridor connecting airport departure gates with plane doors.

Footage of the incident, which took place on Aug 5, was taken by a ground crew member at the airport and posted on Facebook.

The video shows the man leaping from the airbridge with a bag, and then appearing to stop a baggage carrier vehicle. He then gives up and begins sprinting across the tarmac before being stopped by ground crew members.

According to the Evening Standard, a spokesman for Ryanair said: "Since this video relates to a security breach at Madrid Airport, it's a matter for Madrid Airport Police."

CNN reported that Madrid airport police declined comment as well.

A spokesman from Spain's airport authority AENA told The Guardian that the man, who has not been named, had passed the required security checks and had no terrorist motivations.

"He was never suspected of being a terrorist," he said.

Reports suggested he finally boarded a flight to Canary Islands but was detained upon landing. After questioning by officers on the island, the man was released but will still face punishment, likely a fine.

Some Facebook users felt that that the passenger should just have been on time. User Suzy Blonder commented on CNN's article: "Maybe he should have arrived a little earlier for his flight. "

User Laura Saxon said: " He should have been on time for his flight."