A Ryanair flight from Edinburgh to Tenerife had to be redirected yesterday (Sunday) after a fight broke out on board. It is the second incident in under a week on the same route after drunken passengers had a brawl last week.
The pilot contacted air traffic control and requested an emergency landing due to the disruptive action in the cabin, and was redirected to Porto where Police were waiting on the ground to arrest those responsible upon landing.
Several passengers who witnessed the incident have taken to social media to explain what happened. They said some of the passengers had been "out of control" and it had been the "scariest flight I've ever been on".
One added: "Big group on the flight, fight broken out, bottles thrown, women almost injured. Get this little s**t off the plane… kids crying, everyone in bits!”
"Currently waiting for the police to take some people off the plane then hopefully get to Tenerife. Luckily everyone is okay at the moment."
It is understood that flight FR2969 landed in Porto around two and a half hours after taking off from Scotland at 3:20pm. A Ryanair spokesman told the Scottish Express: "This flight from Edinburgh to Tenerife (Sunday 25th February) was diverted to Porto when a small number of passengers became disruptive onboard.”
"Crew called ahead for police assistance and the aircraft was met by local police upon arrival who removed them from the plane before the flight continued to Tenerife. This is now a matter for the police.”
The incident comes just six days after footage emerged of a fight on the same route as Scots holidaymakers made their way to Tenerife. In the footage, two men and one woman can be seen shouting and bawling at each other before punches are thrown. Members of the group stormed up and down the aisle and hurled abuse at anyone who attempted to intervene. Passengers and flight crew attempted to break up the fight, before demanding they take their seats. Ultimately the Guardia Civil intervened when they landed at Tenerife South Airport.