EasyJet passenger attempts to storm cockpit mid-flight as drunken antics force emergency landing

The passenger declared he could do a "better job" and tried to take control of the plane

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James Saunders

By James Saunders


Published: 05/09/2024

- 11:39

The unruly traveller branded the pilot 'rubbish' - but got his comeuppance on the tarmac

A drunk easyJet passenger sparked chaos at 30,000 feet on Tuesday when he attempted to storm the cockpit mid-flight.

The unruly traveller, who had been drinking whiskey aboard the flight from London Gatwick to Kos, branded the pilot "rubbish" after the plane flew through a patch of turbulence.


He then declared he could do a "better job" and tried to take control of the plane.

Footage of the incident which emerged on social media shows the man being wrestled to the ground by cabin crew and fellow passengers as shocked flyers watched on.

"Drunk" passenger on board flight

Witnesses said the passenger fought with cabin crew members

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The intoxicated passenger's rampage is understood to have included breaking the inflight intercom and trying to open an exit door while the plane was airborne.

Witnesses said he fought with cabin crew members and tried to "get off mid-air".

"The cabin crew were great and very brave - but the whole drama was very upsetting," one passenger told The Sun.

As the situation escalated, the pilots made the decision to divert the flight to Munich where German police and emergency services were waiting on the tarmac.

MORE IN-FLIGHT CHAOS:

Angry passengers

Other flyers fumed at the chaos on board

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The disruptive passenger was immediately arrested, and was subsequently escorted off the plane in handcuffs.

Fellow passengers played a crucial role in managing the situation. One, hailed as a "hero" by flyers, helped staff restrain the intoxicated man until the plane landed safely.

As police removed the disruptive passenger, other travellers expressed their frustration. One was heard shouting, "Get off you loser," while others booed and jeered.

Those on board proceeded to break into applause for the flyer who helped out crew, with one video online praising the traveller for "restraining him until Captain Mike landed us safely".

"Hero" easyJet passenger

One "hero" was lauded with applause

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Despite the chaos aboard, a number of passengers remained relatively calm, with some filming the incident on their phones while others gripped their seats anxiously.

Following the incident, the disrupted passengers were accommodated in local hotels overnight before EasyJet eventually rescheduled their journey to Kos.

An easyJet spokesman addressed the situation, and said: "While such incidents are rare, we do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour."

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