On Thursday, a chaotic incident unfolded on a Jet2 flight that prompted a midair diversion. The flight, identified as LS896, was traveling from Antalya, Turkey, to Manchester, England.
Midair Brawl Leads to Plane Diversion
During the flight, two passengers reportedly engaged in a physical altercation in the aisle. Witness accounts suggest the disturbance was severe enough to require the aircraft to divert to Belgium.
Details of the Incident
- Flight: LS896
- Departure: Antalya, Turkey
- Destination: Manchester, England
- Diversion Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Arrival Time in Manchester: Around 10 p.m.
According to Jet2 representatives, the airline described the conduct of the two individuals as “appalling.” Videos circulating online display passengers exchanging blows, while fellow travelers reacted in shock and horror.
Potential Causes of the Brawl
Witnesses reported that tensions escalated when one male passenger allegedly made prejudiced comments. Additionally, it was claimed that his aggressive behavior intensified after he was unable to purchase cigarettes during the flight. The passenger’s previous consumption of alcohol may have contributed to his conduct.
Aftermath and Airline Response
Once the plane landed in Brussels, law enforcement escorted the two disruptive individuals off the flight. They have since been placed on Jet2’s no-fly list for life. The airline confirmed it would seek to recover costs incurred due to the diversion.
Jet2 emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and stated, “As a family-friendly airline, we take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behavior.” They expressed regret that other passengers and staff had to experience the chaos.
