A fight involving around 10 passengers forced an easyJet flight from Tenerife to Liverpool to turn back mid-air, according to air traffic control.
The pilot decided to return to Tenerife South airport about 30 minutes after take-off on Tuesday evening due to the danger the altercation posed to the safety of the flight. Police were waiting for flight EZY3352 upon landing at the crew's request.
Flight details and police response
The aircraft, carrying 186 passengers, subsequently continued its journey to Liverpool.
Air traffic control said in a statement originally written in Spanish: "Our full support goes out to the crews and passengers who are increasingly having to endure these situations."
Airline statement
EasyJet confirmed the plane "returned to the airport and was met by police due to a group of passengers behaving disruptively." The airline added: "The flight then continued to Liverpool."
EasyJet further stated: "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."
Air traffic control account
Air traffic control also stated: "The crew of the flight from Tenerife South to Liverpool, after about 30 minutes of flight, informed us that they needed to return to the airport and requested police presence upon arrival. A group of about 10 passengers had started a fight on board, and the captain decided to return due to the danger it posed to the safety of the flight."
"We expedited their return as much as possible while coordinating with the airport for police presence. They landed and cleared runway 07 without incident."
