A holiday flight descended into mid-air chaos and was forced to make an emergency diversion after a drunken passenger assaulted cabin crew and threatened to open the aircraft door.
The TUI flight from Tenerife to Bristol was abruptly rerouted to Porto, Portugal, following the shocking incident that unfolded at 30,000 feet. The unruly passenger, described as being heavily intoxicated, became aggressive and physically attacked members of the cabin crew.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and terror as the man allegedly made threats to open the aircraft door during the flight, prompting crew members and brave passengers to physically restrain him for the remainder of the journey.
"The guy was completely out of control," one shaken passenger recounted. "He was swearing, shouting, and then he just went for the crew. It was terrifying. People were screaming. Someone shouted that he was trying to get to the door, and that's when several men jumped up to hold him down."
The pilot declared an emergency and diverted the Boeing 737 to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, where it was met by Portuguese Polícia de Segurança Pública on the tarmac.
Police Escort and Flight Delays
Upon landing, the disruptive passenger was swiftly removed from the aircraft by waiting police officers. He was escorted into the terminal building for questioning, leaving other passengers facing a significant delay to their journey home.
After a lengthy stopover in Porto to refuel and allow police to conduct their investigation, the flight eventually continued its journey to Bristol Airport, arriving hours behind schedule.
A spokesperson for TUI confirmed the incident: "We can confirm that flight TOM 2467 from Tenerife to Bristol diverted to Porto due to a disruptive passenger on board. The aircraft landed safely and was met by police. We'd like to apologise to customers for the delay to their journey. The safety of our customers and crew is always our highest priority."
The incident is the latest in a string of air rage episodes plaguing the aviation industry, often linked to excessive alcohol consumption before or during flights.
