A holiday flight from Manchester to Tenerife descended into chaos when a severely sunburnt passenger, now being dubbed 'Karen' by fellow travellers, launched an expletive-filled tirade against cabin crew, forcing the Ryanair aircraft to return to the gate just moments before takeoff.
The dramatic incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, saw the red-faced traveller accompanied by her sister, who witnesses claim appeared heavily intoxicated. The pair's disruptive behaviour created scenes of pandemonium aboard the packed aircraft.
The Unfolding Drama at 35,000 Feet
According to passengers seated nearby, the trouble began shortly after boarding when the sunburnt woman became increasingly agitated. "Her skin was literally bright red - she looked like she'd been cooked," one witness recounted. "She was clearly in pain and taking it out on everyone around her."
The situation escalated rapidly when cabin crew attempted to address the passengers' behaviour. The sunburnt traveller responded with a stream of profanities, shouting insults that reverberated throughout the cabin and left fellow passengers stunned.
Return to Gate: The Captain's Decision
With the situation deteriorating and safety protocols requiring intervention, the captain made the decisive call to return to the gate. The aircraft, which had been preparing for departure, taxied back to the terminal as confused passengers looked on.
"You could feel the tension throughout the plane," another passenger described. "People were sighing, children were crying - it was complete chaos because of these two women."
The Aftermath and Industry Response
Airport security personnel eventually escorted both women from the aircraft amid cheers and applause from relieved passengers. The delay resulted in a two-hour setback for the flight, affecting hundreds of travellers' holiday plans.
An airline spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating: "The crew of this flight from Manchester to Tenerife requested police assistance prior to departure after two passengers became disruptive. The aircraft returned to stand where police removed and detained both individuals."
The incident highlights growing concerns about passenger behaviour aboard commercial flights, with airline staff increasingly facing verbal abuse and physical confrontations during routine operations.
