A Ryanair flight traveling from London Luton to Alicante was compelled to make an emergency landing in Toulouse after a group of British tourists on a bachelor party caused multiple disturbances onboard. French authorities reported that the situation intensified when one individual tried to open an emergency exit while the plane was still airborne.
Officials described the man, identified as the leader of the group, as heavily intoxicated. Despite repeated warnings from the flight crew, he attempted to force open the emergency door. “He was positioned next to the emergency exit and was trying to open it,” police stated. “This terrified all passengers, leaving the pilot no choice but to divert the flight.”
The man, spotted wearing a “BOSS ATHLETIC” t-shirt, was handcuffed and removed from the aircraft, then held in a Border Police cell until he sobered up enough for questioning. His blood alcohol concentration was reportedly so elevated that authorities had to wait several hours before conducting an interview. Four other members of the group were also detained, though it remains uncertain whether they will face formal charges.
Video footage from the event shows heavily armed officers boarding the plane. While two individuals exited without resistance, another passenger wearing a baseball cap was recorded shouting “No, no, no, no – no way” as he resisted arrest. At one point, he climbed onto a seat and struggled with officers before being forcibly removed. Another man protested, “They started it – that’s my dad!” before being escorted off, angrily telling someone, “Put your phone away.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the group had consumed duty-free alcohol prior to boarding and were visibly intoxicated, with some barely able to stand by the time the plane took off.
Under French law, actions that jeopardize aircraft safety can result in up to five years imprisonment and fines reaching approximately €70,000 (£60,000). Additionally, being intoxicated onboard may lead to a prison sentence of up to two years and further financial penalties.
Ryanair issued a statement confirming the diversion: “The flight from London-Luton to Alicante was redirected to Toulouse after several passengers caused disturbances. Upon arrival, police boarded the aircraft and removed the disruptive individuals before the flight continued to its intended destination. Ryanair maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards unacceptable passenger conduct and will persist in enforcing measures to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all travelers and crew.”
Police commander Ludovic Fornari praised the responding officers and other French units for their “exceptional professionalism” in managing the incident.
Following the arrests, the flight resumed its journey, departing Toulouse-Blagnac Airport at 10:15 pm.
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