Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TERROR AT 39,000ft
Cops remove aggressive man after mid-air bust-up
PEOPLE on a flight from Belfast watched in horror as an aggressive passenger was “put in a headlock”.
Turkish police intervened after the man was allegedly involved in a mid-air bust-up with cabin crew.
One traveller said: “The guy started trying to fight the air hostesses 45
minutes before landing. When cabin crew tried to get him seated he then started walking down the centre aisle, getting aggressive with other passengers and became very inappropriate with rude language and abusive comments.
“When cabin crew tried to get him settled he then started lashing out and throwing punches at the ladies and men of the cabin crew staff.
“Then some fella got him in a headlock and the cabin crew put handcuffs and strapped him to the chair. When we landed the police came on and arrested the aggressive man.”
The incident occurred on flight MT508 from Belfast International Airport to Dalaman on Thursday evening. Another passenger added: “I’m not sure what kicked it all off but he had to be restrained by four cabin crew and one of the pilots.
“As we landed there was an announcement saying crew were dealing with a scene at the back of the plane and for everyone to remain in their seats to allow uniformed officers to come on. What looked like Turkish police boarded the plane once we landed and took him off.”
A Thomas Cook spokesman confirmed an incident had occurred on board the flight.
He said: “Flight MT508 from Belfast was met by police on arrival at Dalaman airport on Thursday because of a disruptive passenger on board.”