A flight from London Gatwick to Alicante turned into quite an ordeal recently when a British passenger caused a serious disturbance. The 30-year-old man reportedly attempted to open the airplane doors while the flight was in progress, leading to a fight with the crew and endangering everyone on board.

Mid-Flight Chaos

If the passenger had succeeded in opening the doors, it could have led to a disastrous cabin depressurization, severely compromising the aircraft. The incident was immediately reported to the control tower at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport.

The situation escalated due to the passenger’s intoxicated state, which had been evident before boarding and worsened at higher altitudes. Witnesses reported he insulted and disturbed fellow passengers, even physically attacking them, including the cabin crew who intervened. In the middle of the chaos, he attempted to open one of the plane doors apparently not realising they were still in the air and allegedly tried to enter the cabin.

Alert to Control Tower

Fortunately, passengers and crew managed to subdue him before landing in Alicante. Upon arrival, the man’s dream of a sunny summer holiday in Alicante was shattered as he was promptly arrested by police. The flight crew had alerted Alicante control tower about the drunken passenger, allowing authorities to meet the aircraft upon landing.

Injuries and Arrest

The struggle with the crew and other passengers resulted in injuries, with one flight attendant notably hurt. According to the Guardia Civil, the man was detained by officers from the Fiscal and Border Section upon landing at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport.

Main Image: Wikipedia/Riik@mctr