A routine flight from Manchester Airport to Milan experienced significant delays on Friday evening due to a security incident involving a passenger who mistakenly boarded the wrong aircraft. EasyJet confirmed that all passengers were required to disembark for additional security checks after the incident came to light.
According to reports from the BBC, the man had originally been scheduled to travel on a different EasyJet flight but managed to gain entry to the Milan-bound aircraft without the proper documentation. This oversight triggered a series of standard security protocols, resulting in a thorough examination of the plane before the flight could continue.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that the individual had boarded the flight without the correct identification. They clarified that following the disembarkation of all passengers, no suspicious items were discovered on board, and there was no indication that the incident was related to terrorism.
An EasyJet spokesperson stated, “The flight was subject to additional security checks in line with procedures, due to a passenger incorrectly boarding the flight. Safety and security is our highest priority, and so we will now work with our ground partner at Manchester Airport to understand how he was able to board the flight.” The airline emphasized their commitment to passenger safety and reassured the public that they are cooperating fully with the investigation.
In a follow-up statement on Saturday, GMP announced that a man in his 20s had been arrested. He is suspected of “hiding himself with the purpose of being carried in an aircraft without consent and intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance.” The police have not disclosed the identity of the arrested individual, as investigations are ongoing.
Passengers on the flight expressed frustration over the delay, which they attributed to the necessary security measures. Many passengers were left waiting at the airport as they awaited updates on when the flight would resume. Some took to social media to share their experiences, with a mix of concern and annoyance at the situation.
One traveler noted, “It’s frustrating to have to disembark, but I understand the importance of security. It’s just disappointing to have our travel plans disrupted.” Another passenger echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I hope this doesn’t take too long; we were all set to go.”
EasyJet has not disclosed how long the delay will last but has stated they are working diligently to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. The airline has also reassured passengers that their safety is of utmost importance and that they will conduct a comprehensive review of their boarding procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, both EasyJet and Greater Manchester Police are focused on ensuring that all safety protocols are maintained while addressing the concerns raised by passengers during this unexpected event. Further details regarding the incident and the subsequent impact on the flight schedule are expected to be released as the investigation unfolds.
