A Tui flight from Glasgow to Turkey was forced to make an emergency landing in Newcastle after a drunk passenger caused chaos in mid-air.
Flight TOM778 set off from the Scottish city on yesterday afternoon at 5.15pm en route to Antalya, but was forced to divert to Newcastle International Airport soon after take off.
It comes after a male passenger said to be intoxicated refused to give up his bottle of gin and started assaulting a member of the cabin crew.
The pilot then made an announcement that they were diverting the plane to Newcastle, blaming the “unruly” passenger.
Four police officers had to drag the man off the plane
Upon arriving on Tyneside, two police officers boarded the plane and tried to place him in handcuffs.
He became unsettled and two more officers came on board before they forcibly removed him.
His partner was also removed from the plane to a chorus of boos as she reportedly gave other passengers the middle finger.
The plane was delayed further after their bags had to be removed, as well as having to be refueled.
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The plane eventually took off again five hours after a five-hour delay
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The aircraft eventually took off again five hours later and holidaymakers made it to their destination in the early hours of this morning.
A passenger told GlasgowLive: “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.”
A Tui spokesperson told GB News: “We’d like to apologise to customers on TOM778 from Glasgow to Antalya, who were required to divert to Newcastle due to a disruptive passenger on board the flight.
“Our goal is to ensure customers have the best possible flight experience, so this is not the way we wanted their holiday to start.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority and any unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The customer involved was offloaded from the aircraft and the flight was able to continue its journey.
“We have offered customers a gesture of goodwill in light of this disruption to the start of their holiday and to thank them for their patience and understanding.
“The flight departed Newcastle for Antalya at 22:50 last night, Friday, May 24.”