Dramatic footage has emerged showing the terrifying moment a flight descended into chaos as a drunk passenger allegedly tried to open an emergency door mid-air before engaging in a violent brawl with cabin crew and passengers.
The incident, which unfolded on a Ryanair flight from Agadir, Morocco, to Manchester, saw the aircraft's cabin become a scene of pandemonium. The passenger, later identified as 28-year-old Thomas Howard, is seen in mobile phone footage becoming increasingly aggressive before making a lunge for the aircraft's emergency exit.
Quick-thinking cabin crew and brave fellow passengers were forced to physically restrain the individual, with the video showing a prolonged struggle in the aisle of the aircraft. The confrontation resulted in the flight declaring an emergency, necessitating a priority landing at Manchester Airport.
Upon landing, the situation escalated further on the tarmac where the disruptive passenger had to be forcibly removed from the aircraft by awaiting police officers. The entire ordeal caused significant distress to both crew and passengers, with many taking to social media to describe the frightening experience.
Howard appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court facing serious charges including endangering an aircraft, assault by beating, and being drunk on an aircraft. The court heard how the defendant's behaviour posed a grave risk to the safety of all on board.
This incident raises serious questions about aviation security and the handling of intoxicated passengers. Ryanair has since issued a statement confirming they are fully cooperating with police investigations and emphasising their zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behaviour.
