A passenger aboard a Jet2 flight from Cyprus to Manchester became critically ill after a mid-air incident that led to his restraint by fellow travelers and subsequent CPR by police upon landing. The flight, LS966, which departed from Larnaca on Sunday, requested a priority landing at Manchester Airport early Monday morning due to the passenger's disruptive actions.
Witnesses reported that the man, believed to be in his 30s and traveling with his girlfriend, had allegedly consumed a significant amount of alcohol before boarding the five-hour journey. Passengers claimed the man became increasingly unruly, pacing the aisle, banging on overhead lockers, and shouting. At one point, he allegedly headbutted another passenger.
Cabin crew reportedly moved the man's girlfriend to a different seat as his behavior escalated. The flight attendants then sought assistance from other passengers, with approximately three to four individuals restraining the man. "Around three or four passengers were pinning him down," one witness stated.
Upon the aircraft's arrival at Manchester Airport at approximately 2:25 a.m. on Monday, police officers boarded the plane. They proceeded to the rear of the aircraft, where they performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the man. A defibrillator and a medical bag were also brought onto the plane.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were called to reports of an assault on the flight. Officers located the man, who had been restrained, and he was subsequently transported to the hospital due to his condition. He remains in the hospital in a stable but critical condition, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Passengers were held on the plane for about an hour after landing before being escorted onto coaches. They were reportedly taken to a room where they provided statements to the police before being allowed to leave the airport. The incident caused significant panic and confusion among those on board, with some passengers reporting that children were distressed, and flight attendants were visibly upset.
A Jet2 spokesperson confirmed that a priority landing was requested and that a passenger was taken to the hospital. The airline stated that it would be inappropriate to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.