A Jet2 flight out of Edinburgh was forced to turn around mid-air after a passenger allegedly caused serious disruption on board, leading to the plane returning to the airport and the man being charged with a string of offences.
Flight LS721 had been heading to Larnaca in Cyprus when the incident unfolded, forcing the crew to make the call to abandon the route and head back to Edinburgh. It is not yet known how far into the flight the disruption took place before the decision was made to turn back.
Once the aircraft landed safely at Edinburgh Airport, police were waiting. The man was charged in connection with several offences, including assault and endangering an aircraft. The latter charge is among the most serious that can be brought against a passenger, reflecting just how disruptive the behaviour is alleged to have been.
Disruptive passengers on flights have become an increasing concern for airlines across the UK. Cabin crew are trained to handle difficult situations in the air, but when behaviour escalates to the point where the safety of the aircraft and everyone on board is considered at risk, turning back or diverting becomes the only real option.
For the other passengers on board LS721, the incident would have meant significant delays to the start of their trip, with the plane having to return to Edinburgh rather than continuing on to Cyprus.
Jet2 has not yet issued a detailed public statement on the incident, but the airline has a well-known zero tolerance policy when it comes to disruptive behaviour. The company has previously banned passengers for life following serious onboard incidents and has been vocal about supporting prosecutions where criminal behaviour occurs on its flights.
Police Scotland confirmed that a man had been charged in connection with the incident. The case will now proceed through the appropriate legal channels.