A routine flight from Lisbon to London Stansted descended into chaos on Tuesday when a disruptive passenger's homophobic tirade about face masks forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing.
Mid-Air Chaos Over Mask Protest
The Ryanair flight, carrying passengers from Portugal to the UK, became the scene of an alarming disturbance when a male passenger reportedly refused to comply with cabin crew instructions regarding face coverings.
According to fellow travellers, the situation escalated rapidly when the individual began shouting inflammatory remarks, including the shocking claim that "gays are giving everyone cancer." Witnesses described how the man's behaviour became increasingly aggressive, creating a tense atmosphere aboard the aircraft.
Emergency Diversion to Porto
With the situation becoming unmanageable at cruising altitude, the flight crew made the decision to divert the aircraft to Porto Airport in northern Portugal. The emergency landing was executed smoothly, though passengers reported feeling shaken by the unexpected turn of events.
"It was terrifying," one passenger recounted. "He was screaming these horrible things and refusing to listen to anyone. The crew handled it professionally, but you could feel the tension throughout the cabin."
Passenger Removal and Flight Delay
Upon landing in Porto, Portuguese police boarded the aircraft and removed the disruptive passenger. The incident resulted in a significant delay as ground staff worked to process the situation before the flight could continue its journey to London.
Local authorities confirmed they had detained an individual in connection with the incident, though formal charges had not been immediately disclosed.
Airline Response and Passenger Reactions
A Ryanair spokesperson addressed the incident, stating: "The crew of this flight from Lisbon to London Stansted requested police assistance upon arrival at Porto Airport after a passenger became disruptive onboard. The aircraft continued to London Stansted following a delay."
Other passengers expressed both frustration at the delay and relief that the situation had been handled without physical altercation. Many took to social media to share their experiences of the frightening mid-air confrontation.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges airlines face regarding passenger compliance and in-flight behaviour, particularly concerning health and safety protocols that remain in place across various travel routes.
