A British tourist was arrested at Alicante-Elche airport on Thursday after attempting to open a cabin door during an easyJet flight from Gatwick. The 28-year-old man, identified as Luke A., had to be restrained after repeatedly compromising flight safety.
The incident began when the male boarded the plane already intoxicated. Reports indicate that the high altitude exacerbated his condition, leading to increasingly erratic behaviour. Passengers described a series of escalating disruptions, starting with verbal insults and provocations directed at fellow travellers.
As the situation deteriorated the man allegedly attacked other passengers and attempted to hit easyJet cabin crew members who intervened. The breaking point came when he tried to open a door mid-flight, seemingly unaware of the potentially catastrophic consequences as he thought the plane was on the ground.
It was reported passengers assisted the crew to restrain the male. The easyJet captain promptly alerted the Alicante-Elche control tower about the unruly passenger.
Upon landing at Alicante-Elche airport, the man was arrested by the Guardia Civil.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about passenger behaviour on flights to Spain, particularly involving British nationals.
An easyJet spokeswoman said:
“easyJet can confirm that flight EZY 8117 from London Gatwick to Alicante on 29 May was met by police on arrival as a result of a passenger onboard behaving disruptively.
“Our cabin crew are trained to assess all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time. Whilst such incidents are rare, we take them very seriously and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour onboard. The safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew is always easyJet’s priority”
According to airport operator Aena, Alicante had the second-highest number of passenger conflicts in Spain last year, recording 184 incidents. The typical profile of these transgressors often includes individuals who have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol.
