A man was forcibly removed from a Ryanair flight at Stansted Airport after reportedly refusing to pay for extra undeclared luggage and attempting to board the plane without authorisation.
The incident, captured on video by fellow passengers, unfolded at the departure gate when the man allegedly refused to pay a fee for excess baggage during check-in. Witnesses say he became aggressive and began shouting at staff before forcing his way past airline personnel and onto the aircraft.
Cabin crew promptly called airport security and Essex Police, who boarded the plane minutes later. The man was escorted off the aircraft without further incident, as passengers looked on.
Ryanair has a strict cabin baggage policy, which requires passengers to declare any extra items in advance and pay associated fees. The airline confirmed the removal in a brief statement, saying:
“Police were called to Stansted Airport on Sunday after a passenger breached boarding procedures. The individual was removed from the aircraft prior to departure. We do not tolerate disruptive behaviour.”
Essex Police confirmed that a man in his 30s was spoken to by officers at the scene and escorted from the flight. No arrests have been made, but the passenger was denied travel.
The flight, which was delayed for a short period, continued to its destination once the situation was resolved. Passengers later expressed frustration at the disruption but praised the swift police response.
Videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media, drawing both criticism and support. One user commented: “Rules are rules. You can’t expect to get on with extra bags for free.” Another wrote: “The drama over hand luggage these days is wild.”
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions over baggage fees and airline policies, which continue to be a source of frustration for many travellers.