An EasyJet flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a disruptive passenger attempted to storm the cockpit at 30,000 feet. The incident led to conflicting accounts from the airline and passengers regarding the events leading up to the emergency landing.
Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chaos
According to eyewitnesses who spoke to The Sun, the disruptive passenger boarded the flight already intoxicated. The man reportedly stated that he was traveling from Gatwick to Kos to buy cannabis. His behavior quickly escalated, culminating in an attempt to breach the cockpit.
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On September 3, #easyJet Airbus A320 (G-EZUR) flight #U28235 from #London Gatwick to #Kos, Greece, was forced to divert to #Munich after a drunk passenger allegedly attempted to open an emergency exit door during the flight.
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— FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) September 5, 2024
The situation deteriorated as the man, already inebriated, began shouting and using offensive language. Eyewitnesses recounted that he abused other passengers, made suggestive comments to flight attendants, and even broke the intercom system. His aggression continued, including derogatory remarks towards fellow passengers and persistent demands for alcohol.
One passenger reported that the man was seen drinking from a large bottle of scotch before takeoff and was already causing a disturbance. Despite being told he would have to wait for alcohol service until after takeoff, his behavior remained disruptive.
Airline’s Response and Passenger Criticism
In response to the incident, EasyJet issued a statement confirming that the flight from London Gatwick to Kos had been diverted to Munich due to a passenger’s disruptive behavior. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety and the seriousness with which it handles such incidents.
The statement read, “The flight was delayed overnight while we arranged a replacement crew and provided customers with hotel accommodation and meals. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused.” EasyJet described the incident as an “extraordinary circumstance,” noting that such disruptions are rare but taken very seriously.
However, passengers have criticized the airline for allowing the intoxicated man to board in the first place. They argue that the airline’s leniency with its boarding policies contributed to the incident. One passenger expressed disbelief that no one was injured, while another accused EasyJet of neglecting its responsibility to prevent such disturbances.
Police Intervention and Aftermath
Following the emergency landing in Munich, the disruptive passenger was detained by police for causing a disturbance. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about airline security and the enforcement of safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.