A man is fighting for his life after being restrained by fellow passengers and police on a Jet2 flight from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Manchester Airport. The incident occurred on June 21, during a five-hour flight that landed at 2:25 am on Monday.
Passenger became disruptive after allegedly drinking heavily
According to witnesses, the man, in his 30s, had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before boarding with his girlfriend. He was reportedly arguing with her, leading cabin crew to move her to a different seat. The man then became increasingly disruptive, pacing the aisle and shouting at other passengers.
Eyewitnesses claim he headbutted a fellow passenger and made threats. As the situation escalated, several passengers intervened to restrain him until the plane landed.
Police performed CPR after landing
Upon touchdown, police officers boarded the aircraft and took over the restraint. They discovered the man was not breathing and immediately began CPR. A defibrillator was requested and used. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the man was taken to hospital after falling "critically ill."
One passenger, traveling with his partner and daughter, described the scene: "There was a lot of panic, you don't know what people might attempt to do on an airplane. My daughter was with us; she was getting panicked and upset by it all. There were a few panicked children on the plane, too, and the air hostesses were crying."
Passengers held on board for statements
Another anonymous passenger recounted: "The guy was getting increasingly aggressive; he was walking up and down the flight banging on the overhead cabins. By the time we were flying over Germany, some guy locked eyes with him, and the man walking up and down the aisle headbutted him. He got restrained, and the air hostess was panicking. She asked if any big lads could help, as they couldn't keep him down."
"Around three or four passengers were pinning him down. We landed at Manchester, it went silent, he had been shouting for the whole flight, and then he was silent. When we touched down, the police came onto the flight, they ran to the back of the plane, shut the curtain, and we could see them doing CPR. One of the police officers rushed through with a defib, and another officer ran through with a medical bag. They wouldn't let anyone off the plane for a good hour, until they rushed us all onto coaches into a deserted room and wouldn't let us leave without giving a statement."
Investigation underway
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "An investigation is underway after a man became critically ill following reports that the same individual had been aggressive and disruptive towards a passenger and crew members on a flight heading into Manchester Airport. At around 2:25 am we were called to reports of an assault that had taken place on a flight from Larnaca, Cyprus. Officers attended and located a man who had been restrained. The man – in his 30s - was taken to hospital due to his condition. He remains in a hospital in a stable but critical condition. Enquiries are ongoing."
A Jet2 spokesperson said: "We can confirm that flight LS966 from Larnaca to Manchester requested a priority landing on (Monday 22nd June), due to a disruptive passenger incident. We can confirm that a passenger has been taken to hospital. As an investigation is underway, it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment at this time."
