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A flight from Glasgow to Turkey was forced to make an emergency landing after a “drunk passenger” who “refused to hand over his bottle of gin” caused chaos in the air.
The flight to Antalya took off at 5.15pm on Friday, but 45 minutes later the pilot was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Newcastle International Airport.
It came after a passenger, said to be drunk, allegedly assaulted a member of cabin crew.
Police officers boarded TUI flight TOM778 in Newcastle and removed him from the plane.
Footage shows the man being dragged off the flight as hundreds of frustrated passengers look on.
Were YOU on the flight? Email: olivia.christie@mailonline.co.uk
A flight from Glasgow to Turkey was forced to make an emergency landing after a “drunk passenger” who “refused to hand over his bottle of gin” caused chaos in the air.
As a result of the delay, tourists arrived at their destination more than five hours later than expected.
One passenger said: ‘They were seen drunk while boarding the plane. He refused to hand over his own bottle of gin and became verbally abusive.
‘An announcement was made 45 minutes after takeoff that we were diverting due to an unruly passenger.
“It was another 45 minutes before we arrived in Newcastle, around 7pm.”
‘Two police officers boarded the plane and handcuffed him, but he became agitated and two more officers came on board.
“His partner was also taken off the plane to a chorus of boos while he gave everyone the middle finger.”
‘There were further delays in removing their suitcases from the hold. The cabin crew were replaced due to the serious event and excessive hours.’
“The aircraft was also refueled and the excess burned to allow a safe emergency landing.”
After waiting five hours on the tarmac, the passenger added: “It was clearly distressing for the children on board and frustrating for everyone. Afterwards, the captain personally visited each passenger to answer questions.
“While the stage was being set for the team, it was not known whether we would continue or disembark in Newcastle. They could not let us off the plane due to border control problems.”
The flight to Antalya, Turkey, took off from Glasgow Airport at 5.15pm on Friday.
‘It was very costly and disruptive for 200 people on board. TUI was very professional and appreciated everyone’s patience.’
After having an “unexpected start” to their holiday, it is understood the airline offered each passenger a holiday voucher as compensation.
A TUI spokesperson said: “We would like to apologize to customers on TOM778 from Glasgow to Antalya, who had to divert to Newcastle due to a disruptive passenger on board the flight.
‘Our aim is to ensure customers have the best possible flying experience, so this is not how we wanted them to start their holiday.
‘The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority and any unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.
‘The affected customer was taken off the plane and the flight was able to continue its journey.
“We have offered customers a gesture of goodwill in the face of this interruption to the start of their vacation and we thank them for their patience and understanding.”
The flight took off from Newcastle to Antalya at 10:50pm last night, Friday 24 May.
MailOnline has also contacted Northumbria Police for comment.
