Glasgow TUI flight to Turkey diverted as ‘drunken’ passenger dragged off plane
A TUI flight from Glasgow was forced to make an emergency landing after a ‘drunken’ passenger caused chaos mid-air.
The TOM778 flight to Antalya, in Turkey, set off from Glasgow Airport at 5.15pm on Friday. Moments later, the pilot was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Newcastle International Airport.
It comes after a passenger was said to be intoxicated before allegedly assaulting a member of cabin crew. Police officers came on board at Newcastle and removed him from the plane.
Footage sent to Glasgow Live shows the man being dragged off the plane by officers as hundreds of frustrated passengers watch on. As a result of the delay, holidaymakers arrived to their destination over five hours later than planned.
A passenger said: “They were seen drunk while boarding the plane. He refused to surrender his own bottle of gin and became verbally abusive.”
“An announcement was made 45 minutes after take-off that we were diverting with reason of unruly passenger. It took a further 45 minutes before we arrived at Newcastle, at around 7pm.”
“Two police officers boarded the plane and handcuffed him but he became unsettled so two more officers came on board. His partner was also removed from the plane to a chorus of boos as she gave everyone the middle finger.”
“There were further delays in removing his bags from the hold. Cabin crew were replaced due to the serious event and exceeding hours.”
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
“The plane was also refuelled having burnt off excess to allow safe emergency landing.”
After waiting on the tarmac for five hours, the passenger added: “It was clearly distressing for the children on board and frustrating for all. The captain visited every passenger personally in the aftermath to answer questions.”
“While a scenario crew were prepared for, there was slow information in whether we would proceed or disembark at Newcastle. They couldn’t let us off the plane due to border control issues.”
“It was very costly and disruptive to 200 people on board. TUI were very professional and appreciative of the patience of all.”
After having an “unexpected start” to their holiday, it is understood that the airline offered each passenger a holiday voucher in compensation.
We have contacted TUI and Northumbria Police for comment.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
