Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - A Ryanair flight from London Luton to Alicante was forced into an unscheduled landing in Toulouse after a group of British passengers on a stag trip allegedly sparked repeated disturbances in the cabin. French police say the situation escalated when one of the men attempted to open an emergency exit mid-air.
Officers identified the passenger, described as the group’s ringleader, as being “very drunk.” He was restrained after ignoring warnings from the crew, according to authorities. “He was next to an emergency door, and trying to open it,” police said. “It was terrifying for everybody else on the flight. The pilot had no other option except to land the plane.
The man, wearing a “BOSS ATHLETIC” shirt, was taken off the
aircraft in handcuffs and placed in a Border Police cell until sober enough to
be questioned. His blood alcohol level was reportedly so high that officers
could not interview him for several hours. Four companions were also arrested,
though it remains unclear if they will face charges.
Footage from the incident shows heavily armed officers boarding the plane. While two men left without resistance, another passenger in a baseball cap was filmed shouting “No, no, no, no – no fing way” as he resisted arrest. At one stage, he climbed onto a seat and scuffled with officers before being dragged off. Another man protested: “They started it – that’s my dad!” before also being removed, angrily telling someone: “Get your fing phone out my face.”
Witnesses claimed the group had been drinking duty-free
alcohol before boarding, and by the time of departure “could barely stand up.”
French law states that “endangering the safety of an
aircraft” carries a potential five-year prison term and a fine of around €70,000
(£60,000). Being intoxicated on board can also result in up to two years in
prison and an additional fine.
Ryanair confirmed the diversion, saying in a statement:
“This flight from London-Luton to Alicante was diverted to Toulouse after
several passengers disrupted the flight. The crew then requested the
intervention of the police, who met the plane upon arrival at Toulouse airport
and disembarked these passengers before the flight returned to its original
destination. Ryanair has a zero-tolerance policy for unacceptable passenger
behaviour and will continue to take strict measures to address it, ensuring all
passengers and crew have a smooth and enjoyable journey, without unnecessary
disruption.”
Police commander Ludovic Fornari commended his colleagues
and other responding French units for their “extreme professionalism” in
handling the incident.
The diverted flight resumed its journey after the arrests,
departing Toulouse-Blagnac airport at 10.15pm
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