Jet2 flight diverts midair after an onboard altercation between two passengers forced an unscheduled landing in Brussels, turning a routine journey from Turkey to the UK into a deeply unsettling experience for those onboard.
A flight operated by Jet2 was travelling from Antalya to Manchester when violence broke out at cruising altitude. The incident occurred at approximately 30,000 feet, prompting the crew to divert the aircraft to Brussels for safety reasons.
Footage recorded inside the cabin shows two men exchanging punches in the aisle while fellow passengers shout in fear. Witnesses described a sudden and chaotic escalation, with families, children, elderly travellers and passengers with additional needs visibly distressed by the violence unfolding just feet away from them.
Several passengers later claimed they saw blood and teeth on the cabin floor, adding to the sense of shock and disbelief that spread through the aircraft as crew members attempted to regain control of the situation.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the incident began when one of the men allegedly attempted to grab another passenger’s phone. The device was reportedly playing music at a loud volume, which led to a verbal disagreement that escalated rapidly.
Passengers also alleged that the same individual had been drinking during the flight and had made racist comments toward nearby Pakistani passengers prior to the physical confrontation. Witnesses said his behaviour grew increasingly aggressive, extending to cabin crew members during an argument over cigarettes.
One passenger described the experience as among the most distressing moments they had ever encountered while flying, citing the fear and helplessness felt by those unable to escape the confined space.
A witness speaking to The Sun said the man involved appeared fully aware of his actions despite having consumed alcohol. According to the account, he knew exactly what he was saying and was fully oriented throughout the incident.
The witness added that the passenger became confrontational, intimidating and openly racist toward Pakistani travellers seated nearby, creating an atmosphere of fear long before the fight broke out.
Jet2 later confirmed that flight LS896 was diverted as a direct result of what the airline described as the appalling behaviour of two disruptive passengers.
In an official statement, the airline said the aircraft was diverted to Brussels, where both individuals were removed by police before the flight continued to Manchester.
Jet2 confirmed that the two passengers have been banned from flying with the airline for life. The company also stated it will pursue recovery of costs incurred as a result of the diversion.
The airline emphasised its zero tolerance policy toward disruptive behaviour, noting that as a family friendly carrier, it takes incidents of this nature extremely seriously. Jet2 apologised to passengers and crew members who were forced to endure the incident.
Upon landing in Brussels, police boarded the aircraft and took both men into custody. After the removal of the disruptive passengers, the flight resumed its journey and later arrived in Manchester.
No further details have been released regarding potential charges or legal proceedings.
