An easyJet flight bound for Malaga from Bristol Airport was thrown into chaos as approximately 30 rowdy passengers caused disruptions, forcing the pilot to abort take-off.
The incident occurred when the pilot halted the plane just as it was about to take off and returned to the terminal. The disruptive passengers, described as a large group of young men, were reportedly refusing to sit down and were demanding to use the toilet during take-off.
Passengers onboard had to endure a delay of over an hour as the ejected passengers were escorted back to the terminal by police after retrieving their belongings from the plane.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as tense, with one passenger recalling how the remaining travellers spontaneously cheered when the disruptive group finally left the aircraft.
EasyJet responded to the incident, stating that they take such behaviour “very seriously” and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour onboard. They confirmed that seven passengers were ejected from the flight.
According to passengers onboard the flight, the disruptive behaviour began even before boarding. She explained that the group of young men was already loud and unruly during the delay at the departure lounge.
“The flight was delayed by an hour while we were still waiting in the departure lounge, and clearly that just gave these lads another hour’s drinking time,” Sweeden recounted.
The situation escalated when the plane began taxiing to the runway for take-off. Sweeden described how several passengers stood up and began arguing with the flight attendants, threatening to urinate on the floor if they were not allowed to use the toilet.
“I don’t know if the stewards pressed some kind of button but suddenly, the plane stopped, the engines stopped and suddenly they were all standing up arguing,” Sweeden added.
The disruptive behaviour caused distress to other passengers, especially those seated in the front rows, including elderly and disabled individuals.
EasyJet assured passengers that they are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers and will take appropriate action against those responsible for disruptive behaviour.
