A Ryanair flight from Manchester to Tenerife turned chaotic when a disruptive passenger was forcibly removed after refusing to comply with cabin crew instructions, resulting in an emergency landing in Portugal.
Mid-Air Chaos Over Seat Dispute
The incident unfolded when the passenger, reportedly unhappy with their assigned seat, began arguing with staff and refused to remain seated during the flight. Witnesses described scenes of shouting and aggression, forcing the crew to intervene.
Flight Diverted to Portugal
With the situation escalating, the pilot made the decision to divert to Faro Airport, where Portuguese police boarded the aircraft and escorted the unruly traveller off the plane. The flight eventually continued to Tenerife South Airport after a significant delay.
Ryanair's Statement
A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed: "The crew of this flight from Manchester to Tenerife requested police assistance upon arrival in Faro after a passenger became disruptive in-flight. The aircraft continued to Tenerife following a short delay."
The incident highlights the growing problem of air rage incidents post-pandemic, with airlines increasingly taking a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour that compromises flight safety.
