Ryanair flight plunged into 'chaos' as police board plane to arrest 69-year-old passenger

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Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 12/07/2025

- 15:09

Updated: 12/07/2025

- 16:12

Police boarded the aircraft upon its arrival at Edinburgh Airport

A Ryanair flight has been plunged into "chaos" after police boarded the aircraft to arrest a 69-year-old man.

The incident occurred aboard the Palma to Edinburgh flight, when the man's behaviour prompted the cabin crew to request police assistance while the aircraft was still airborne.


The flight was scheduled to reach Edinburgh at 6.10pm, but touched down approximately 50 minutes behind schedule at 7pm.

Upon arrival, travellers were instructed to stay in their seats whilst officers boarded the aircraft to deal with the situation.

Edinburgh Airport

The incident happened at Edinburgh Airport

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Officers from Police Scotland responded to the aircraft following notification from the flight crew about the passenger's conduct.

The Maltese carrier's staff had contacted authorities whilst en route after the individual's behaviour "became disruptive" during the journey.

A spokesman for Ryanair stated: "The crew of this Lauda flight from Palma de Mallorca to Edinburgh (July 9) called ahead for police assistance after a passenger became disruptive onboard.

"Ryanair has a strict zero tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct and will continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour, ensuring that all passengers and crew travel in a safe and respectful environment, without unnecessary disruption."

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The airline concluded that "this is [now] a matter for local police".

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Around 7pm on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 we received a report of a disruptive passenger on a flight from Palma to Edinburgh.

"Officers attended upon landing in Edinburgh Airport and a 69-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with aviation offences."

The matter has since been forwarded to Scotland's prosecution service.

Ryanair flight

A 69-year-old man was arrested when the plane touched down

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The news follows at least 18 people being injured after a Ryanair plane burst into flames at an airport in Majorca, Spain.

Passengers were seen fleeing the plane via one of its wings as police and firefighters rushed to the scene.

Local emergency services said 18 people were injured, with six being taken to the hospital.

Passengers on board the Ryanair flight which burst into flames in Majorca, Spain, have claimed it was "pure hell and chaos".