A British airline has fined an “abusive” passenger more than $138,000 after two fighter jets were dispatched to escort her flight back to the airport amid fears that she would open an emergency door.
The two Royal Air Force fighters created a sonic boom as they rushed to respond to the incident in June, according to the airline Jet2.
Jet2 alleges that Chloe Haines, 25, exhibited a “catalogue of aggressive, abusive and dangerous behaviour” on board the flight from London to Dalaman, Turkey, including trying to open the aircraft’s door in flight.
READ MORE: Air Canada flight diverts to Calgary due to ‘extremely unruly passenger,’ woman taken to hospital
The flight was forced to divert back to Stansted airport with a fighter escort due to her behaviour, the airline alleges.
“Our highly trained crew restrained Miss Haines with the help of customers,” Jet2 said.
Get daily National news
Essex Police arrested Haines on suspicion of assault, criminal damage and endangering an aircraft.
Jet2 has fined her £85,000 (CDN$138,600) for the cost of the escort and the delay.
“She must now face up to the consequences of her actions,’ Jet2’s CEO, Steve Heapy, said in a statement. “We will vigorously pursue to recover the costs that we incurred as a result of this divert, as we do with all disruptive passengers.”
- Carney says co-ordination, dedication, funding all needed to end homelessness
- White House reveals new design for Trump arch hours after judge blocks plan
- 4 accused in Cornell rape case join bid to oust Letitia James from probe
- Holocaust survivor shot in Bondi Beach attack dies almost a year after massacre
Heapy said the incident should serve as a “stark warning” to anyone who thinks they can misbehave onboard a flight.
He added that Haines is banned from the airline for life.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.