Jump directly to the content

A TUI flight from Glasgow was forced to make an emergency landing after a "drunken" passenger caused chaos in the air.

The TOM778 flight to Antalya, in Turkey, took off from Glasgow airport at 5.15pm last night.

The flight was forced to land in Newcastle
4
The flight was forced to land in NewcastleCredit: Alamy
The man was marched off the flight
4
The man was marched off the flightCredit: Media Scotland
A TUI flight from Glasgow was forced to make an emergency landing after a ‘drunken’ passenger caused chaos mid-air
4
A TUI flight from Glasgow was forced to make an emergency landing after a ‘drunken’ passenger caused chaos mid-airCredit: Media Scotland
Hundreds of passengers watched on as the man delayed the flight
4
Hundreds of passengers watched on as the man delayed the flightCredit: Media Scotland

Within 45 minutes the pilot was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Newcastle airport following the rammy on board.

A passenger was said to be intoxicated before allegedly assaulting a member of cabin crew.

Cops came on board at Newcastle and removed him from the plane, reports .

Hundreds of passengers witnessed the man being dragged off the plane.

The flight was delayed by five hours later than scheduled.

A passenger said: "They were seen drunk while boarding the plane.

"He refused to surrender his own bottle of gin and became verbally abusive."

TUI confirmed the flight departed Newcastle for Antalya at 22:50 last night, Friday 24 May.

The returning flight, TUI TOM779, back to Glasgow was delayed for over 17 hours as a result.

All passengers that were due to fly last night were advised there was an issue.

Terrifying moment Boeing plane NOSEDIVES on runway and sends sparks flying

It is now scheduled to fly at 4pm UK time after punters spent an extra night in a hotel nearby.

A spokesperson for TUI UK & I Spokesperson said: "We’d like to apologise to customers on TOM778 from Glasgow to Antalya, who were required to divert to Newcastle due to a disruptive passenger on board the flight.

"Our goal is to ensure customers have the best possible flight experience, so this is not the way we wanted their holiday to start.

The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority and any unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.

"The customer involved was offloaded from the aircraft and the flight was able to continue its journey.

"We have offered customers a gesture of goodwill in light of this disruption to the start of their holiday and to thank them for their patience and understanding."

Northumbria Police have been approached for comment.

Topics