Overview

• A Sept. 26 Ryanair service from London Luton to Alicante diverted to Toulouse about 30–45 minutes after takeoff due to alcohol-fueled disruption and fights onboard.
• France’s Air Transport Gendarmerie boarded at Toulouse, restrained and removed several men as passengers cheered, and the aircraft then continued to Alicante.
• Local officials say the principal accused was heavily intoxicated, his blood alcohol level delayed questioning, and he remains in custody in Toulouse.
• Investigators report a suspected attempt to open an emergency exit mid-flight, with potential charges including endangering the safety of an aircraft punishable by up to five years in prison and significant fines.
• Ryanair reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward unruly behavior, and the incident has fed wider industry calls to curb pre-flight drinking and tighten safeguards against disruptive passengers.