A Tui flight from Cancún to London became the scene of chaos after two passengers were allegedly caught smoking in the aircraft's bathroom.
The incident forced an emergency diversion that left travellers stranded for 17 hours.
Flight BY49 departed Mexico at 4pm local time on its journey to Gatwick Airport on July 8.
The captain was compelled to reroute to Bangor International Airport in Maine after warning the smokers to stop their behaviour.
The aircraft touched down at 9.30pm local time, where the accused passengers were removed from the plane.
The remaining travellers faced an overnight ordeal in the American airport.
British passenger Terry Lawrance, 66, described the scene as "like a warzone in a lounge - rows and rows of beds" whilst travellers waited without access to their luggage, which remained on the aircraft.
He said: "TUI told us a relief crew was being sent from the UK because the current crew had used up their hours."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Ryanair flight plunged into 'chaos' as police board plane to arrest 69-year-old passenger
- Jet2 flight erupts into chaos as British passenger turned 'feral' after chugging bottle of vodka
- Tui flight erupts into chaos as 'drunk' passenger hauled off after screaming that the 'plane is going to crash' and PUNCHING cabin crew
A TUI flight from Cancún to London became the scene of chaos after two passengers were allegedly caught smoking in the aircraft's bathroom
GETTY
After more than 12 hours in the terminal, passengers grew increasingly frustrated.
Lawrance said they waited "six or seven" hours before being offered drinks.
He added: "In fairness, they started bringing out airbeds, but it was like a free-for-all for vultures."
The ordeal included five hours sitting on the grounded plane before passengers were told to disembark due to flight plan issues.
The captain was compelled to reroute to Bangor International Airport in Maine after warning the smokers to stop their behaviour
GETTY
Tui responded to the incident, explaining that the travellers became "disruptive" on board and the aircraft was diverted for safety reasons.
The spokesman said: "This is now a case for the UK authorities, and we cannot comment any further on the disruptive nature of the passengers."
The airline explained that American immigration regulations prevented passengers from leaving the terminal during their extended wait.
The stranded travellers were eventually permitted to continue their journey on July 9.
They departed Maine at approximately 3pm local time and finally reached Gatwick Airport after their prolonged delay
GETTY
They departed Maine at approximately 3pm local time and finally reached Gatwick Airport after their prolonged delay.
The incident follows other reports of passengers forcing flights to be diverted to international airports.
A Palma to Edinburgh Ryanair flight was boarded by police after a passenger reportedly "became disruptive" during the journey.