Emergency Return Just 8 Minutes After Takeoff
Six-Month Flight Ban Imposed by the Airline
An intoxicated British man was arrested by police after causing a disturbance on an airplane when his marriage proposal to a female flight attendant was rejected.
According to reports from The Sun and other foreign media outlets on September 9, Matthew Taylor, a 30-year-old man, boarded a Jet2 flight from Leeds Bradford Airport in the United Kingdom to Alicante, Spain, on August 18. As soon as he boarded, he proposed to a female flight attendant.
When the flight attendant declined, Taylor returned to his seat, but after the plane took off, he suddenly stood up and began causing a commotion. Passengers and crew members tried to restrain him, but their efforts were in vain. Taylor began shouting profanities and became increasingly aggressive. According to eyewitnesses at the time, Taylor's eyes were bloodshot and he acted aggressively toward the flight attendant, puffing out his chest.
As the situation escalated, the crew became concerned that a brawl might break out among the passengers and requested the captain to return to the airport. As a result, the plane turned back to Leeds Bradford Airport approximately eight minutes after takeoff. Upon learning of the return, Taylor slammed his fist on the tray table in front of him so hard that his hand bled, and he reportedly made comments such as, "You'd better prepare for World War III."
Police arrested him immediately after landing. Surrounding passengers applauded and cheered when Taylor was taken into custody. The flight was delayed for more than four hours and was able to depart again around 11 p.m.
It was confirmed that Taylor had no significant prior criminal record, and he reportedly exercised his right to remain silent during the police investigation. Sentencing is scheduled for September 29. According to media reports, he could face up to two years in prison.
The airline issued a statement saying, "Flight LS491 from Leeds Bradford to Alicante had to return due to the passenger's appalling behavior," and announced that Taylor has been banned from flying with the airline for six months. The airline added, "We will never tolerate such behavior in the future."
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