Ryanair flight makes U-turn over ‘disruptive passengers and reports of drug abuse on board’

A Ryanair flight bound for Morocco was forced to do a U-turn back to the UK after reports of ‘drug abuse and verbal abuse on board’.

The plane from Stansted was heading for Marrakesh but returned to the airport because of the group of men.

Police boarded once the plane had touched down and carried out searches, and video footage showed two men being led off the flight.

Essex Police later revealed no arrests were made, but passengers were left distressed by the incident.

A 25-year-old passenger, who didn’t want to give their name, said: ‘It was very chaotic. Everyone was freaking out and wondering what was going on.

‘One guy was doing the brace position when we landed.

‘We found out the plane was turning around back to Stansted about an hour into the flight.

‘When we finally landed about four armed police came on board and dragged them off the plane.’

Video footage showed the moment police entered the aircraft and led two passengers out, as others filmed.

Passengers gawped and got out their camera phones as police led the two off the plane – with many asking what was going on.

Essex Police said: ‘Officers at Stansted Airport assisted after a plane was returned to the airport at around 4.15pm on 7 December.

‘This was following reports of drug use and verbal abuse on board. Once the aircraft landed, officers conducted searches, and no drugs were located.

‘No arrests were made. The matter is now being managed by the airline.’

Ryanair said: ‘This flight from Stansted to Marrakech returned to Stansted Airport shortly after take-off when a small group of passengers became disruptive in flight.

‘To minimise disruption to passengers, Ryanair transferred passengers onto an alternative aircraft which departed for Marrakesh later that evening.

‘Ryanair apologises for any inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of these disruptive passengers.’

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