British tourists have been warned after police were called to meet a plane landing in Tenerife. A flight from London Gatwick to Tenerife South Airport was given priority landing clearance this week after crew members reported that 12 disruptive passengers were causing problems on board and requested police to be present upon landing, according to Canarian Weekly.
Spanish air traffic controllers reported that the incident unfolded on easyJet flight number EZY8035 while the aircraft was making its way to Tenerife. Due to the number of people involved and concerns on board regarding safety, controllers coordinated with authorities on the ground and requested a police presence at the aircraft stand upon arrival. Officers were asked to identify and remove the passengers as soon as the aircraft landed.
To help diffuse the situation quickly and avoid any potential risk to passengers and crew, air traffic controllers prioritised the flight's arrival into Tenerife South Airport. Controllers explained that they shortened the aircraft's approach as much as possible, allowing the flight a more direct route to the runway and reducing the time spent in the air. The procedure, commonly used in situations requiring operational priority, enabled the aircraft to descend and land more quickly than under normal traffic conditions.
Despite the tensions reported on board, the aircraft landed safely at Tenerife South Airport without further incident, said Canarian Weekly. As of Friday afternoon, authorities had not released details regarding the nature of the disturbance, the identities of those involved, or whether any arrests were made following the aircraft's arrival.
The incident comes in a string of flights arriving in Tenerife that have required intervention from authorities due to disruptive passenger behaviour, an issue that continues to pose challenges for airlines and airport operators across Europe. Passengers travelling to and from the Canary Islands are reminded that disruptive behaviour on board an aircraft can result in police action, substantial fines, and potential criminal prosecution.
