A routine Jet2 flight from Dalaman, Turkey, to Manchester was thrown into chaos and forced to make an emergency landing after a British tourist allegedly launched a violent, unprovoked assault on a fellow passenger mid-flight.
The shocking incident, which witnesses described as terrifying, occurred on Monday as the aircraft was cruising at altitude. The suspect, a UK national, is accused of suddenly standing up and repeatedly punching a Turkish man seated nearby, seemingly without any prior provocation.
Chaos at 30,000 Feet
The cabin descended into panic as the attack unfolded. Quick-thinking cabin crew and several brave passengers were forced to physically intervene and restrain the aggressive individual, preventing further injury and restoring a semblance of order.
Faced with a volatile and potentially dangerous situation, the flight's captain made the decisive call to divert the aircraft. The plane was escorted by military jets to Sofia Airport in Bulgaria, where it made an emergency landing.
Aftermath and Arrest
Upon landing, Bulgarian authorities swiftly boarded the aircraft. The alleged assailant was arrested and removed from the plane by police. The victim, thankfully, did not require hospitalisation for his injuries.
After a significant delay to allow for a police investigation and security checks, the shaken passengers re-boarded the aircraft. The flight eventually continued its journey to Manchester Airport, arriving hours behind schedule.
Jet2 has since condemned the behaviour in the strongest possible terms. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed the airline would be pursuing a lifetime ban for the individual involved and is supporting the authorities in their investigation.
