Drunken EasyJet Passenger Arrested at Alicante Airport for Mid-Flight Disturbance

A 28-year-old British tourist was arrested by Spanish police at Alicante Airport after attempting to open the aircraft door mid-flight. The passenger, who had boarded the easyJet flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Alicante (ALC), was reportedly drunk when he boarded and became increasingly disruptive during the flight.

The incident began when the intoxicated passenger started insulting and disturbing other passengers. His behavior escalated into a physical altercation with both passengers and crew members. During the brawl, the passenger tried to open one of the plane doors, not realizing the flight was still airborne. Reports also indicate he attempted to enter the cockpit, adding to the severity of his actions.

Upon arrival at Alicante, the man was promptly arrested by police who had been alerted by the flight crew. The crew contacted the Alicante control tower to inform them of the disruptive passenger, allowing authorities to meet the aircraft on landing.

Alicante Airport has seen a significant number of passenger incidents, with 184 reported in 2023, second only to Tenerife. The majority of these incidents involve drunken British travelers, according to the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency.

EasyJet operates multiple daily flights between London Gatwick and Alicante, using its Airbus A319, A320, and occasionally A321neo aircraft. The airline flies to Alicante from over 20 European destinations, including several UK airports. EasyJet recently resumed its seasonal routes, with services from Newcastle and Southampton starting in early April.