A drunken passenger sparked panic aboard a TUI flight from Gran Canaria to Birmingham on Tuesday night, after punching a female flight attendant and shouting that the aircraft was going to crash.
The incident happened just before 1:00am as the plane began its descent into Birmingham airport. Witnesses say the man, clearly under the influence of alcohol, attempted to use the toilet without permission. When cabin crew intervened, he returned to his seat, only to get up again moments later and hit a female crew member in the nose.
What followed was a tense scene. Flight attendants attempted to restrain the man using an onboard restraint kit, but were unsuccessful. Several shouted for help, as the 220 passengers, including children, grew increasingly alarmed.
According to reports, some members of the cabin crew were left in tears as the man continued yelling that the plane was in danger and going to crash. Fellow passengers stepped in to assist the crew, trying to calm the situation without putting themselves at risk.
The aircraft landed safely at Birmingham Airport around 1:10am. Officers from West Midlands Police boarded the plane shortly after touchdown. After a brief struggle, the man was handcuffed and escorted off the aircraft into a waiting police van.
Relieved passengers applauded the intervention. The disruption, which lasted nearly an hour, left many shaken.
Both TUI and West Midlands Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway and further details will be withheld until it is concluded.
