Jet2 bans two passengers for life after mid‑air brawl forces Brussels diversion
A holiday flight bound for Manchester was forced to divert to Brussels after two passengers engaged in a violent altercation in the cabin, prompting police intervention and a lifetime ban from the airline for both men. The incident unfolded on flight LS896 en route from Antalya, with the aircraft landing in Brussels and continuing to Manchester in the evening.
Mid‑air brawl prompts emergency stop
Videos circulating from the flight show shouting and punches in the aisle as cabin crew and fellow travellers tried to break up the scuffle. The fight escalated to the point that the pilot diverted the aircraft to Brussels roughly three hours into a flight that was expected to last around five hours. The plane touched down and police boarded to remove the two disruptive passengers. The remainder of the flight departed for Manchester just after 5: 00 PM ET on February 12.
Passengers removed, banned and processed
Belgian police took the two men off the aircraft and carried out identity checks; their photographs and fingerprints were recorded and an official report was prepared for intentional assault and battery. Authorities described the pair as having been "briefly deprived of their freedom administratively" and said they were "still drunk" at the time. After that processing, the men were permitted to continue their journeys.
The airline has moved swiftly to penalise the travellers. A Jet2 spokesperson said both passengers will be banned from flying with the carrier for life and that the company will "vigorously" pursue recovery of the costs incurred due to the diversion. The airline emphasised its zero‑tolerance stance on disruptive behaviour and offered an apology to customers and staff who were affected by the disturbance onboard.
Investigation and wider concerns over air rage
Belgian prosecutors have opened an investigation into intentional assault and battery arising from the incident, and have indicated that appropriate legal action will follow once inquiries are complete. The official file includes witness statements and the evidence collected at the scene.
The episode highlights continuing concerns about instances of so‑called air rage, where in‑flight altercations put passengers and crew at risk and can force costly operational changes such as unscheduled landings. Airlines have increasingly adopted strict penalties — including lifetime bans and financial claims — as deterrents, while crews and law enforcement agencies handle the immediate safety response when incidents occur.
For now, the diverted flight completed its journey to Manchester after the removal of the two men. Investigations by authorities remain under way as airlines and regulators continue to weigh enforcement and prevention measures to protect cabins from violent disruption.
