EasyJet flight makes urgent landing after 'disruptive' passengers cause chaos

An easyJet flight

An easyJet pilot was forced to land quickly after a 'mass brawl' broke out

PA
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 24/04/2023

- 08:46

The crew called police to help them deal with 'troublesome passengers'

An easyJet pilot was forced to land quickly after passengers became "disruptive" during a flight from the UK to Tenerife.

The crew called police to help control around a dozen "troublesome passengers" who had departed from Liverpool.


Authorities reportedly requested officers on arrival yesterday "to guarantee the safety of all passengers and crew".

The pilot also requested a priority landing as they neared the holiday destination to ensure the travellers were dealt with swiftly.

Tail end of an easyJet flight

The crew called police to help control around a dozen 'troublesome passengers'

PA

Officers boarded the plane before anyone disembarked to remove the disruptive passengers on Saturday.

They were allegedly taken into custody to be questioned by officers, ahead of their deportation back to the UK on the next available flight.

Holidaymakers who have breached air safety rules are normally identified by authorities and are sent fines.

Spanish Air Traffic controllers confirmed the incident on social media, saying: "Flight from Liverpool arriving at Tenerife South with a dozen troublesome passengers on board.

"Priority and police presence being coordinated on arrival at the crew’s request.

"The landing approach will be shortened as much as possible.

"All our support to crews and officials in airports, who more often than is desirable, have to deal with these situations."

They added that the landing procedure was reduced as much as possible to make sure the plane's arrival was not delayed.

This was done to prevent further disturbances on board the aircraft and to ensure "the safety of all passengers and crew," according to the island's press.

Local media said: "The speed in the response of the authorities and the teamwork allowed the plane to land without major complications and a more serious situation was avoided."

General view of Playa de los Cristianos in Tenerife, Spain

The group were allegedly taken into custody to be questioned by officers

PA

An easyJet spokesperson confirmed that a "disturbance" took place during the flight.

"EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY3365 from Liverpool to Tenerife on 22 April was met by police due to a group of passengers behaving disruptively onboard.

"EasyJet’s cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time.

"Whilst such incidents are rare we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour onboard.

"The safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew is always easyJet's priority."

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