A man in his 30s remains in hospital in a stable but critical condition after being restrained by fellow passengers and police on a Jet2 flight from Cyprus to Manchester. The incident occurred on flight LS966 from Larnaca, which landed at Manchester Airport at 2:25am on Monday 22 June 2026.
Passenger Behaviour Before Restraint
According to witnesses, the man had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before boarding with his girlfriend. During the five-hour journey, he became disruptive, arguing with his partner, which led cabin crew to move her to another seat. He allegedly walked up and down the aisle, shouting at passengers, and later headbutted a fellow traveller before threatening to fight others.
Two passengers who spoke to Talk to the Press said multiple travellers restrained the man until the plane landed. Police officers then boarded and took over, discovering he had stopped breathing. The witnesses reported that officers began CPR and requested a defibrillator.
Police and Medical Response
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the man was taken to hospital after becoming critically ill. A 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 2:25am 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."
Passenger Accounts
One traveller, who was on holiday 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. It was a difficult situation; there was a lot of panic and confusion when we were up in the air."
Another passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "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."
Jet2 Statement
A Jet2 representative said: "We can confirm that flight LS966 from Larnaca to Manchester requested a priority landing yesterday morning (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."
The incident has raised questions about the use of restraint on aircraft and the medical care provided to passengers who become unwell after being restrained. The investigation by Greater Manchester Police continues.
