A father has described his family's 'horrible' experience after their TUI flight from Cancun to Manchester was diverted to a remote Canadian town due to a disruptive passenger. Mr Stockford, traveling with his wife and four daughters, said a man seated behind his children became 'aggressive and alarming' mid-flight. The man allegedly tried to leave the aircraft multiple times and made disturbing remarks about a 'man with a knife,' frightening passengers, including many children.
Incident Details
Crew members, assisted by a doctor, managed to restrain the man. However, as the aircraft neared the Pacific Ocean, the pilot deemed him a flight risk and diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, where police removed him. The disruptive passenger's wife later attributed his behavior to diazepam purchased from a taxi driver in Mexico.
Arrival in Gander
The Boeing 787-9 landed in Gander early Friday morning. Mr Stockford recalled the chaos: 'The plane landed quite firm, he tried to get up, TUI staff shouted 'sit back down, now!' and kids behind us were crying, thinking they were gonna die.' Passengers disembarked into freezing temperatures, wearing summer clothing. The pilot assured them they would be looked after, but many faced further difficulties.
Accommodation and Logistics Issues
Passengers reported lengthy delays in transport to TUI-arranged hotels. Upon arrival, the Stockford family was told their room was available for only four hours due to a major local event. Mr Stockford described a 12-seater school bus for 360 passengers and a lack of taxis with car seats for his baby. After a three-hour journey, they had minimal rest.
Return to Airport
Returning to Gander Airport on Friday, passengers faced a 14-hour wait. Most slept on the floor with little food, drink, or clothing, as luggage remained on the plane. Local residents helped transport stranded Brits and provide essentials. Gander has a history of assisting travelers, notably after 9/11, as depicted in the musical 'Come From Away.'
Aftermath
The flight was scheduled to land at Manchester at 7:15 am Friday but arrived Saturday. Mr Stockford said the ordeal traumatized his children and caused lost earnings. 'TUI from the start of being diverted to the end, just completely failed us,' he said. TUI has been contacted for comment.
