A holiday flight from Northern Ireland to Egypt was abruptly cancelled after police were summoned to Belfast International Airport to deal with a group of disruptive passengers.
Incident Leads to Flight Cancellation
The affected service was easyJet flight EZY3077, scheduled to depart from Belfast International Airport for the popular resort of Hurghada at 12.55pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Due to the significant disruption caused by the passengers, the departure was initially pushed back and rescheduled for the following morning, Sunday, January 4.
However, the airline was ultimately forced to cancel the flight entirely. In an official statement, easyJet confirmed that the lengthy delay meant its operating crew would exceed their strictly regulated safety duty hours. The carrier emphasised that it takes such incidents with the utmost seriousness and does not tolerate disruptive behaviour on its aircraft.
Airline's Firm Stance on Passenger Conduct
The airline's response highlights the operational and safety challenges posed by unruly passenger behaviour. "We took the decision to cancel the flight as the delay meant our crew would exceed their safety regulated operating hours," a spokesperson explained. They reiterated the company's zero-tolerance policy, stating firmly that it "does not tolerate disruptive behaviour onboard."
Passengers booked on the cancelled service were offered alternatives, including rebooking on later flights or receiving a refund. The incident caused considerable inconvenience for travellers beginning their winter sun holidays, with many left to rearrange their plans at short notice.
Broader Impact on Airport Operations
While the precise details of the passengers' disruptive behaviour have not been disclosed, the involvement of police indicates the severity of the situation. Such incidents not only affect the immediate flight but can also cause knock-on delays for other services and place additional strain on airport resources.
The cancellation at Belfast International serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to comply with airline safety and conduct rules. It underscores that actions deemed disruptive can have wide-reaching effects, leading to cancelled flights, financial loss, and major travel disruption for hundreds of fellow passengers.
