A British passenger has been sentenced to 225 hours of community service by the Edinburgh Sheriff Court, after starring in a series of unacceptable behaviors during a Ryanair flight to Lanzarote on July 5, 2024, as reported by La Voz.
The trip, which was scheduled to depart at 2:15 p.m., took off an hour and a half late. Several witnesses reported that even before takeoff, the passenger showed clear signs of intoxication, was consuming an electronic cigarette and was carrying an almost empty bottle of vodka. During the journey, he began to shout and berate other travelers, which led the crew to intervene and confiscate both the drink and the vaping device.
Given the situation, and just half an hour after takeoff, the pilot decided to return to Edinburgh Airport. Upon arrival, police officers were waiting on the runway and proceeded to arrest the man, along with other passengers involved. The affected travelers remained inside the aircraft for almost an hour more, which finally arrived in Lanzarote at 11:15 p.m., almost nine hours later than planned.
After the sentence was announced, Ryanair publicly celebrated the conviction.
“This conviction demonstrates that we will not tolerate disturbances that compromise the safety or well-being of our passengers and crew,” said a company spokesperson. “We hope that these 225 hours of community service will serve as a warning to those who think they can behave with impunity on board.”
The airline also reiterated that it will maintain its zero-tolerance policy, and that it reserves the right to take legal action against any behavior that puts the safety of the flight or the well-being of passengers at risk.
Read the full story in La Provincia
