A Jet2 flight from Antalya, Turkey, to Manchester, United Kingdom, was forced to divert to Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday evening, 12 February, after a fight broke out between passengers mid-air.
Flight LS896, operated by a Boeing 737-800 (registration G-JZDH), had departed Antalya and was scheduled to land at Manchester at 19:40 local time. However, following an altercation between passengers, the crew decided to divert the aircraft to Brussels Airport.
The aircraft landed safely in Brussels. Upon arrival, local police boarded the aircraft and removed two individuals involved in the disturbance.
According to initial reports, the incident involved a physical fight between passengers during the flight. The crew followed standard safety procedures, prioritising the safety of all passengers and crew members by diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
Jet2 has since confirmed that the two passengers involved have been banned from flying with the airline.
In a statement, the carrier reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behaviour on board, stressing that the safety and well-being of customers and crew is its highest priority.
After the removal of the disruptive passengers and completion of the necessary ground procedures, the flight continued to Manchester, arriving significantly later than originally planned.