Overview
- The incident began when the pilot of an Airbus A321 reported an aggressive passenger during a Paris-to-Sofia flight and diverted the plane to Stuttgart on Wednesday evening after crew and several passengers restrained him with cable ties.
- Four police officers boarded the aircraft by fire ladder after landing and arrested the resisting man, who suffered minor injuries during the removal and was taken to the airport police station.
- A preliminary breath test showed well over 1.5‰ alcohol, authorities had blood drawn, the man spent the night in custody, and the Stuttgart prosecutor set a €500 security payment for his release.
- Two companions who had behaved loudly were barred from continuing the flight and were later released, and the aircraft was able to resume its journey to Sofia at about 23:00.
- Police and prosecutors say no other passengers or crew were injured and note that reports differ on the exact number of people on board, with outlets citing either 227 or 277 passengers.