A Ryanair flight from Manchester to Faro was forced to return to Manchester Airport early on Monday after a passenger became disruptive on board. The aircraft had departed Manchester at around 6am but turned back after the crew requested police assistance.
An eyewitness reported that the passenger allegedly became violent and started a fight mid-air. The witness claimed that a woman travelling with the man slapped him hard across the face due to his behaviour towards another female passenger.
Greater Manchester Police arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of being drunk on an aircraft, two counts of common assault, and a Section 4a public order offence. He remains in police custody for questioning.
A Ryanair spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience caused by the disruptive passenger. The flight continued to Faro after a short delay.
