Jet2 Flight Forced to Make Emergency Landing After Violent Cabin Brawl
A Jet2 flight traveling from Antalya, Turkey, to Manchester was compelled to make an emergency landing in Brussels, Belgium, following a disruptive mid-air brawl that involved racist comments and excessive alcohol consumption. The incident has led to lifetime bans for two passengers, with the airline vowing to pursue them for costs incurred due to the diversion.
Chaos Erupts Mid-Flight Over Racist Remarks and Drinking
The flight, LS896, departed Antalya at 6 p.m. local time on February 12 and was scheduled to arrive in Manchester at 8 p.m. However, shortly after takeoff, tensions escalated when two male passengers allegedly exceeded their £210 drink allowance and began making repeated racist remarks. According to an anonymous passenger, one of the men targeted another traveler, calling him a "Muslim mug", which sparked outrage among fellow passengers.
Witnesses reported that the situation quickly spiraled out of control, with multiple passengers joining the fray. Video footage captured the moment one man snatched another's glasses before being shoved, leading to a full-scale brawl. Cabin crew members frantically attempted to intervene and restore order, but the altercation continued unabated.
Emergency Landing and Police Intervention in Brussels
In response to the escalating violence, the pilot decided to divert the aircraft to Brussels for an emergency landing. Upon arrival at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, police boarded the plane and escorted the two disruptive passengers off the aircraft. The remaining travelers erupted in cheers, chanting "bye-bye" as the men were removed.
The flight was grounded on the tarmac for about an hour and a half before continuing its journey to Manchester, where it finally landed at around 10:45 p.m. Passengers described the experience as traumatic, with one stating, "It was shocking, I never thought I would experience anything like this in my life. It has really left a mark on me; it has given me fear." Another added, "I was s******* myself, we were mid-air."
Jet2's Response and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Jet2 has taken a firm stance against the incident, confirming that the two passengers involved will be banned from flying with the airline for life. A spokesperson emphasized, "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." The airline also announced plans to vigorously pursue the individuals to recover costs associated with the diversion, which include fuel, landing fees, and potential compensation for other passengers.
This event underscores the serious consequences of unruly behavior on flights, highlighting the importance of adhering to airline policies and respecting fellow travelers. As Jet2 continues to prioritize safety and a family-friendly environment, such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the disruptions that can occur when passengers fail to comply with regulations.
