Footage captures the moment a Ryanair passenger was ejected from an aircraft after a woman allegedly tried to ‘open an emergency exit’ during flight, according to a fellow traveller. A video filmed by a passenger on the aircraft, obtained by the Manchester Evening News, shows Greater Manchester Police officers retrieving items from the overhead compartments above the seats.
The officers can then be observed making their way down the aisle towards the front door of the aircraft. The Ryanair service from Manchester to Agadir, in Morocco, was forced to turn back to Manchester Airport this morning (August 25) following its 9 a.m. departure. Greater Manchester Police officers boarded the aircraft when it returned an hour later.
A woman was detained when the service safely arrived back at the airport, a Greater Manchester Police spokesman has confirmed. A Ryanair spokesman disclosed what occurred on the aircraft in a statement.
An airline representative told the Manchester Evening News: “This flight from Manchester to Agadir (August 25) diverted back to Manchester shortly after take-off after a passenger became disruptive onboard.
“Crew called ahead for police assistance, who met the aircraft upon landing at Manchester Airport and offloaded this passenger before this flight continued to Agadir.
“Ryanair has a strict zero tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct and will continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour, ensuring that all passengers and crew travel in a safe and respectful environment, without unnecessary disruption.”
Passengers on the flight intervened when they saw a woman attempting to open the emergency exit, alerting cabin crew who then informed the captain, according to an eyewitness speaking to the Manchester Evening News.
The disruptive passenger was moved away from the emergency exit seat, with the captain remaining by the exit for the duration of the flight. Upon landing, the woman was escorted off the plane by Greater Manchester Police, as reported by another passenger.
Engineers were subsequently called in to assess any potential damage and carry out necessary repairs, as per the witness’s account.
A passenger on the flight told the Manchester Evening News: “The Ryanair flight RK1266 [from Manchester] for Agadir in Morocco [was] diverted back to Manchester Airport due to a passenger attempting to open the emergency exit.
“However, she was only able to get the plastic covering off and, as a result, was unsuccessful, as other passengers stopped her and made cabin crew aware of the situation at 9.30 am, who then made the captain aware.
“The passenger was moved from the emergency exit seat, and the captain remained at the emergency exit until we landed back at Manchester Airport.
“The plane landed safely and the passenger involved was escorted off the plane by Greater Manchester Police. Engineers came to check the door and replaced the plastic covers.”
According to Flight Aware data, the flight, RUK1266, resumed its journey at 11.22 am.
