An easyJet flight destined for Liverpool, England, returned to Tenerife on Tuesday after a mid-air dispute involving two British families. Spanish air traffic controllers reported that approximately ten passengers were involved in the altercation aboard flight EZY3352, which had departed from Tenerife South Airport.
The captain made the decision to return to the airport about 30 minutes after takeoff due to concerns for the safety of the flight, authorities said.
Upon arrival back in Tenerife, police were present. A spokesperson for Spain's Civil Guard confirmed that no arrests were made, and all individuals involved were British nationals. Eight people, described as two adults and six minors traveling together, were removed from the plane. Authorities believe the dispute originated as a heated discussion between the two families in the airport terminal before boarding, which then continued on the aircraft.
While air traffic control described the incident as a fight, and easyJet confirmed a group of passengers were behaving disruptively, some passengers on social media disputed the characterization of a fight, stating that a family with children was escorted off the plane.
The flight departed Tenerife around 8 p.m. local time and returned approximately an hour later. Following the removal of the passengers, the flight continued to its final destination in Liverpool.
An easyJet spokesperson stated that the crew is trained to handle such situations and that the airline takes disruptive behavior seriously, prioritizing the safety and well-being of customers and crew.
Under Spanish aviation law, individuals causing disruptions can face fines ranging from approximately £50 to nearly £40,000, as well as being held responsible for the costs of any flight diversion and potentially receiving a ban from the airline. The Spanish Air Safety and Security Agency (AESA) oversees civil aviation standards and has the authority to impose these penalties.