British passenger sentenced after disrupting Edinburgh–Lanzarote flight
A British man has been sentenced to 225 hours of community service by Edinburgh Sheriff Court after causing chaos on a Ryanair flight to Lanzarote in July 2024. The incident occurred on 5th July 2024, when the passenger’s behaviour forced the aircraft to return to Edinburgh less than half an hour after take-off.
According to Ryanair, the disruption affected 178 passengers and six crew members, many of whom were travelling on family holidays.
The flight, scheduled to depart Edinburgh at 2:15 pm, was already delayed by 90 minutes before take-off. Witnesses reported that the man appeared drunk while boarding, was carrying an almost empty bottle of vodka, and was openly using an electronic cigarette inside the cabin.
Once airborne, his behaviour escalated as he shouted and verbally abused other passengers. Cabin crew intervened, confiscating both the alcohol and vape device, but the situation continued to deteriorate. Just 30 minutes after departure, the pilot made the decision to return to Edinburgh Airport.
Police officers boarded the plane upon landing and detained the disruptive passenger along with two others involved in the disturbance. Passengers remained on board for nearly an hour before the flight finally left again, eventually landing in Lanzarote at 11:15pm, almost nine hours late.
Following the sentencing, Ryanair welcomed the outcome, describing the passenger’s behaviour as “inexcusable.” A spokesperson said:
“This conviction shows that we will not tolerate behaviour that compromises the safety or wellbeing of our passengers and crew. We hope that 225 hours of community service will act as a clear warning to anyone who thinks they can behave recklessly on board.”
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