Video shows a midair brawl on Jet2 flight LS896 from Antalya to Manchester, forcing the aircraft to divert to Brussels where Belgian police removed two disruptive passengers. The plane later resumed its journey and landed in Manchester at about 10 p.m. An eyewitness told media the incident followed alleged racist remarks and that alcohol and a dispute over cigarettes may have contributed. Jet2 has banned the two passengers for life and says it will seek to recoup diversion costs.
Midair Brawl Forces Jet2 Flight LS896 To Divert To Brussels; Two Passengers Banned For Life
Jet2 confirmed both individuals have been placed on the airline’s no-fly list.(Getty Images)
Video circulating online captured a violent altercation aboard Jet2 flight LS896, which was diverted from its scheduled Antalya-to-Manchester route to Brussels after the disturbance. Belgian police removed two disruptive passengers at Brussels airport and the aircraft later resumed its journey, arriving in Manchester at about 10 p.m.
What Happened
Flight LS896 departed Antalya, Turkey, bound for Manchester, England. According to media reports and footage shared on social platforms, a physical fight broke out in the cabin aisle as other passengers shouted and reacted in alarm. The flight was redirected to Brussels while authorities handled the situation on the ground.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness told The Sun that tensions began earlier in the flight after an alleged incident of racist remarks by a male passenger. The witness said the same passenger had been drinking and became aggressive after being unable to purchase cigarettes onboard.
Airline Response
Jet2 described the incident as resulting from the appalling behaviour of two disruptive passengers. The airline confirmed both individuals were removed by Belgian authorities, placed on its lifetime no-fly list, and that it intends to pursue them to recover costs incurred due to the diversion. Jet2 reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour and apologised to customers and crew affected by the incident.
Context and Safety
Crew members reportedly tried to calm the situation before it escalated into a physical confrontation. While the precise cause of the fight has not been independently verified, multiple outlets reported the eyewitness account linking alleged racist remarks, alcohol, and a dispute over cigarettes to the confrontation. Local authorities in Brussels managed the offloading of the two passengers before the flight continued to Manchester.
Sources: Media reports including The New York Post and The Sun; footage circulated on social media. Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
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