Gatwick Flight Chaos: Drunk Passenger Forces Mid-Air Diversion to Athens

Gatwick Flight Chaos: Drunk Passenger Forces Mid-Air Diversion to Athens

A Wizz Air flight from London Gatwick to Hurghada, Egypt, was thrown into chaos after a "drunk and unruly" passenger caused a mid-air diversion, leading to significant delays and disruption. The incident, which occurred on March 12, highlights the importance of maintaining safety and decorum on flights, while also reminding travelers to plan ahead for their journeys, including booking reliable Gatwick Airport car parking services to ensure a stress-free start to their trips.

What Happened?

The flight, which was en route to the popular Red Sea resort of Hurghada, was approximately two-and-a-half hours into its journey when the disruptive passenger began arguing with cabin crew. Eyewitnesses reported that the woman, who had been drinking for most of the flight with her family, became aggressive and started swearing at staff when asked to calm down.

Passenger Micheal Hands, 58, described the scene as "absolute bedlam," adding, “She was sitting behind me and then she moved seats but wasn’t happy and started arguing with the cabin crew. To be fair to the crew, they did their best, but in the end, it just got too much.”

The situation escalated to the point where the captain issued a stern warning over the tannoy: “If the unruly passenger doesn’t return to her seat in two minutes, we are making an emergency landing.” True to his word, the flight was diverted to Athens, where police boarded the plane and escorted the woman off.

The Aftermath

Video footage shared with MailOnline showed two police officers walking down the aisle to remove the passenger as fellow travelers filmed the incident on their phones. One holidaymaker was heard shouting, “Too late to cry now,” as the woman was led away.

The flight remained on the ground in Athens for approximately two hours while the situation was resolved, eventually landing in Hurghada two hours later than scheduled. The disruption didn’t end there, as the return flight from Hurghada to London Gatwick was also delayed due to crew duty time limitations.

Wizz Air’s Response

In a statement to MailOnline, Wizz Air condemned the passenger’s behavior, calling it “inexcusable” and emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety. The airline stated, “The safety and security of our passengers and crew is our number one priority. Wizz Air has a strict policy against harassment and passenger misconduct and will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach.”

The airline also confirmed that they would be taking legal action against the passenger for the unnecessary disruption caused to other travelers.

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Journey

Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of planning ahead to ensure a smooth travel experience. Whether you’re flying from Gatwick Airport for a relaxing holiday or a business trip, booking reliable Gatwick Airport car parking can help you start your journey on the right foot.

At Comparetheairportparking.com, we offer a wide range of affordable and secure Gatwick Airport parking options to suit every traveler’s needs. From meet-and-greet services to long-stay parking, our easy booking process ensures you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about your vehicle.

Don’t let unexpected disruptions ruin your travel plans. Book your Gatwick Airport car parking with us today and enjoy peace of mind from the moment you leave home until you return.