A British construction worker's anticipated Benidorm getaway descended into chaos at 30,000 feet, culminating in his arrest by Spanish authorities upon landing after an alleged alcohol-fuelled incident that forced a Ryanair flight to declare an emergency.
Mid-Air Meltdown Forces Emergency Declaration
The trouble began aboard Ryanair flight FR2168 travelling from Manchester to Alicante when 31-year-old Reece Jackson, reportedly intoxicated, became disruptive. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the builder from Greater Manchester allegedly threatened fellow passengers and crew members.
The situation escalated to such a degree that the captain was compelled to declare an emergency, alerting Spanish authorities to meet the aircraft upon its arrival at Alicante-Elche Airport.
Spanish Police Board Aircraft
As the aircraft touched down in Spain, the drama continued to unfold. Armed Policia Nacional officers boarded the plane directly at the stand, apprehending Jackson in front of shocked passengers.
Fellow traveller accounts paint a picture of a holiday beginning under distressing circumstances. "We could see the police waiting as we taxied to the stand," one passenger recalled. "They came straight on and took him off in handcuffs while everyone watched. It was not the relaxing start to our holiday we'd imagined."
Builder Faces Serious Consequences
Jackson now confronts potential criminal charges under Spanish law for his alleged conduct aboard the aircraft. Aviation security experts emphasise that such behaviour carries severe penalties, including substantial fines and possible imprisonment.
A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed: "The crew of this flight from Manchester to Alicante requested police presence upon arrival after a passenger became disruptive during the flight. The aircraft landed normally and police removed and detained the individual."
The incident serves as a stark reminder to travellers about the serious consequences of disorderly behaviour aboard aircraft, with Spanish authorities taking a particularly firm stance against air rage incidents affecting flights to popular tourist destinations like Benidorm.
