Drunk Passenger Disrupts Flight, Forcing Emergency Landing. Banned for Life by Jet2 Airlines.
An intoxicated Jet2 passenger, who reportedly urinated in the cabin and frightened young passengers on a Glasgow flight, has been banned for life by the airline. Eric Forrest exhibited a series of outrageous behavior during the journey from Glasgow Airport to Tenerife South, which included aggressive conduct toward staff and fellow passengers, unauthorized alcohol consumption, and suspected possession of illegal substances.
The 55-year-old’s unruly actions compelled the pilot to make an emergency landing in Faro, Portugal, where local police removed Forrest from the aircraft. Jet2 is now considering legal action against Forrest for the costs incurred due to the diversion, which is expected to be a significant five-figure amount.
A fellow traveler, who was on the flight with his wife and 15-year-old daughter, informed the Record that Forrest appeared intoxicated even before boarding the plane on Thursday, April 13, and continued to consume alcohol during the flight. The passenger shared his surprise that Forrest was allowed to board the plane in his condition.
Approximately two and a half hours into the flight, Forrest’s disruptive behavior escalated, leaving younger passengers, including the witness’s daughter, frightened. Consequently, the flight was rerouted to Faro, where authorities removed Forrest from the plane.
The impromptu stop resulted in a two-hour delay, as the aircraft needed to undergo a thorough cleaning. Additionally, travelers scheduled to return to Glasgow from Tenerife were forced to spend an extra night on the Canary Islands due to the late arrival of the plane.
Jet2 Managing Director Phil Ward stated that the airline would “vigorously pursue” Forrest for the costs associated with the diversion, including hotel accommodations for passengers and crew in Tenerife, airport fees, fuel expenses, and cleaning charges. He apologized to the affected passengers and staff for the inconvenience caused by Forrest’s “absolutely disgraceful” behavior.
Emphasizing Jet2’s commitment to being a family-friendly airline, Ward thanked the Portuguese authorities for their assistance in removing Forrest from the flight. He concluded by warning potential troublemakers that Jet2 takes a zero-tolerance approach to unruly behavior, ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers on board.
