An easyJet flight bound for Liverpool was forced to return to Tenerife after a violent altercation involving about a dozen passengers erupted on board. The aircraft had departed from Tenerife South Airport on July 21 but turned back approximately 30 minutes into the four-and-a-half-hour journey.
Flight details and response
Flight radar data showed the Airbus A320-214, operating the early morning service scheduled to land at Liverpool John Lennon Airport at 4:06 a.m., circling back at 1,425 feet and heading to the Canary Island. Spanish air traffic control stated: "The crew of the Tenerife South to Liverpool flight, after about 30 minutes of flight, informs us that they need to return to the airport and requests a police presence upon arrival."
"A group of about a dozen passengers have started a fight on board, and the captain has decided to return due to the danger it poses to the integrity of the flight. We expedite their return as much as possible while coordinating with the airport for the police presence. They land and clear runway 07 without incident. All our support to crews and passengers who increasingly often endure these situations."
Police and airline statement
Officers met the aircraft upon its return. An easyJet spokesman said: "Flight EZY3352 from Tenerife to Liverpool yesterday returned to the airport and was met by police due to a group of passengers behaving disruptively. The flight then continued to Liverpool. Our cabin and ground crew are trained to assess all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other customers is not compromised at any time. We take these incidents very seriously and do not tolerate disruptive behaviour towards our staff. The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is always our highest priority."
Numerous passengers have caused disruption on flights bound for Liverpool this year, with several incidents forcing aircraft diversions.
