Police intervene with ‘Disobedient’ passenger on Ryanair flight to the Canary Islands
Police presence was requested at Gran Canaria Airport yesterday (Tuesday) after a passenger on a Ryanair flight from Germany refused to comply with cabin crew instructions, prompting the crew to request their assistance upon landing.
The incident, shared by the air traffic controllers’ account Controladores Aéreos on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the growing concern over disruptive behaviour onboard flights arriving in the Canary Islands.
According to their report, “The crew of flight FR2502 from Berlin to Gran Canaria requested police presence upon arrival due to a passenger who failed to follow crew instructions. Priority landing was given to this flight so it could land as quickly as possible and to ensure the safety of all on board.”
The flight, which landed at 10:21am, was met by the National Police, who boarded the plane before any passengers were allowed to disembark and escorted the person in question from the aircraft and into police custody.
No further details about the nature of the disobedience or the identity of the passenger have been made public.
Disruption in the Skies: A Growing Problem
This is not an isolated incident. Over recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in cases involving unruly or non-compliant passengers on flights to both Tenerife and Gran Canaria, often requiring crew intervention or law enforcement response.
Crew members are trained to handle a wide range of behaviours, but when a passenger repeatedly disobeys safety instructions or becomes uncooperative, it can pose a risk to the safety and order of the flight, particularly during critical phases such as take-off or landing.
Legal Consequences Under the Tokyo Convention
Passengers may not realise that failing to follow the instructions of flight attendants or the captain can have serious legal consequences. Under the Tokyo Convention of 1963, which governs offences committed on aircraft, any act that “endangers the safety of the aircraft, persons or property” may be treated as a criminal offence.
This includes refusing to comply with safety instructions, being verbally or physically aggressive, or behaving in a manner that disrupts the normal operation of the flight.
Depending on the severity of the behaviour, consequences may include:
- Detention by airport police upon arrival
- Removal from the flight
- Hefty fines or a criminal record
- A permanent ban from the airline
- Prosecution under national or international aviation law
In some cases, if the disruption is deemed serious enough to threaten safety, charges may include endangering an aircraft, which can carry significant prison sentences.
Important Reminder for Travellers
As the Canary Islands continue to be a top destination for European tourists, especially during the summer months, passengers are reminded that compliance with airline crew instructions is not optional, but a legal requirement designed to ensure everyone's safety.
Authorities and airline staff alike are urging travellers to behave responsibly and respect the rules of air travel, particularly in light of increased passenger volumes and heightened safety awareness.
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