EasyJet flight to UK forced to turn back after mass 10-person brawl breaks out mid-air

A different kind of turbulence

Flight EZY3352 took off from Tenerife South Airport just before 8pm local time and reportedly had a calm start to the journey. 

However, around half an hour after departure, Spanish air traffic authorities said a brawl involving around 10 passengers escalated into a serious disturbance.

The incident became severe enough for the pilot to decide that continuing the flight was not safe. 

The aircraft turned around and landed back at Tenerife South Airport at approximately 9:05pm due to what authorities described as a risk to the safety of the flight.

Police were waiting when the plane arrived, with officers boarding the aircraft and removing those involved in the altercation. 

Despite the disruption, the flight was later able to continue towards Liverpool.

An easyJet spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft had returned to Tenerife because of “a group of passengers behaving disruptively”. 

They said the airline takes such incidents seriously and does not tolerate any behaviour that puts passengers or crew at risk.

The airline added that protecting the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board remains its highest priority. 

Authorities have not yet confirmed the nationalities of the passengers involved, although the route is frequently used by British tourists travelling between the UK and Tenerife.