Jet2 Imposes Lifetime Ban on Passengers After In-Flight Brawl Forces Diversion
Two disruptive passengers have been handed lifetime bans by Jet2 following a violent mid-air altercation that erupted on a UK-bound flight, compelling an unscheduled diversion to Brussels, Belgium. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, February 12, involved a physical confrontation among several travelers, leading to police intervention upon landing.
Chaos Erupts on Flight LS896 from Antalya to Manchester
The disturbance occurred aboard Flight LS896, which departed from Antalya, Turkey, en route to Manchester. Video footage circulating online captures the escalating chaos, with multiple passengers becoming embroiled in the melee. In one clip, three men are seen standing in the aisle, with one attempting to seize another passenger's phone before reaching for the face of the individual in front of him.
The situation quickly deteriorated as the central figure in the altercation was pushed back, prompting another passenger to step in to defuse the tension. However, this intervention proved futile when a separate traveler further down the aisle began pointing aggressively, sparking another physical exchange. Shouts and screams filled the cabin, including audible commands such as "Get back," as the brawl intensified.
Police Storm Plane After Diversion to Brussels
As the confrontation spiraled out of control, the flight was forced to divert to Brussels, where law enforcement officers stormed the aircraft to remove the unruly passengers. Footage shows a police officer escorting one individual off the plane, while chants of "Time to go, time to go" echo in the background. The disruptive duo were offloaded by authorities, allowing the flight to eventually proceed to Manchester later that night.
Additional scenes from the video reveal a passenger being placed in a headlock by another man onboard, while a woman is seen rising from her seat to join the fray. Cabin crew members worked to manage the situation, moving one of the involved parties toward the rear of the plane as other travelers looked on in shock.
Jet2 Enforces Zero-Tolerance Policy and Pursues Costs
In response to the incident, a Jet2 spokesperson condemned the "appalling behaviour" of the two disruptive passengers, confirming their lifetime ban from the airline. The spokesperson emphasized the carrier's commitment to a zero-tolerance approach, stating, "As a family friendly airline, we take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive passenger behaviour, and we are very sorry that other customers and our colleagues onboard had to experience this too."
Furthermore, Jet2 announced plans to vigorously pursue the individuals to recover costs incurred due to the diversion, underscoring the financial and operational impacts of such incidents. The airline reiterated its dedication to ensuring a safe and pleasant travel experience for all passengers, highlighting the serious consequences of misconduct onboard its flights.
