A packed passenger plane recently had to make an emergency landing due to a disruptive British passenger arguing with his family.
Virgin flight VS74 was flying from Orlando in Florida to Manchester in the UK when the man who was under the influence of alcohol, allegedly became involved in a bust up with his wife and father-in-law, according to the Daily Mail Online.
Cabin crew alerted the pilot, who had to divert the Boeing 747-400, which was carrying 451 passengers and 17 crew, to Gander Airport in Newfoundland on the east coast of Canada. Police where waiting to arrest 44 year old Roy Anthony Heaps, who was taken into custody and Canadian authorities confirmed he had appeared in court charged with uttering threats, assault, mischief and interfering with cabin crew. Mr Gander was due to appear in court again on 26 October.
It is believed that the relatives continued with their flight which eventually arrived in Manchester following a three hour delay.
Virgin Atlantic would not discuss the incident because it is under police investigation however they did verify that the flight had to be diverted due to an unruly passenger. A spokeswoman confirmed that “Authorities met the aircraft in Gander and the passenger was arrested and charged. The safety of our passengers and crew is of paramount importance. We will not tolerate disruptive behaviour by passengers and always report it.”
Fellow passengers admitted to being terrified however it was the severe turbulence and sudden diversion without explanation that had concerned them, most of the passengers were unaware that the incident had even taken place.