Teen tries to open plane door mid-air, forcing emergency landing on London-bound flight
EasyJet passengers recount chaos, from cockpit door impact to hotel woes
An EasyJet flight from Turkey to London descended into chaos when a 16-year-old girl’s disruptive behaviour escalated, culminating in an emergency landing in Bari, Italy.
Passengers onboard the aircraft described the incident as harrowing, with one calling it a "flight from hell."
The trouble began mid-air when the teen, reportedly agitated by a young girl coughing nearby, initiated an aggressive confrontation. Matters escalated rapidly as the teenager stormed the aisle, attempted to open an emergency door, and even broke its handle.
In a startling twist, she collided with a passenger, causing both to crash into the cockpit door, which flung open.
Witnesses claim the teenager also hurled shoes at passengers and issued threats, including one to stab a crew member.
Despite efforts by the flight crew to calm her, the situation necessitated immediate intervention, prompting the pilot to divert the flight to Italy.
Hotel horror for passengers
Once the plane landed in Bari, the teenager was taken into police custody. Meanwhile, passengers were put up in what many described as substandard accommodations.
Nadine, a passenger, expressed shock at the conditions, noting mouldy bathrooms, broken locks, and rubbish-strewn exteriors, The Sun reported.
EasyJet issued an apology, asserting that safety was never compromised. The airline assured passengers they would reimburse any additional expenses incurred due to the diversion. However, dissatisfaction lingered among travellers who criticised the airline for its handling of the crisis.
While the incident is under investigation, passengers remain shaken by the ordeal, raising questions about managing inflight emergencies and post-landing care.