Jet2 Issues Lifetime Bans Following In-Flight Altercation, Will Seek Damages

Jet2 has permanently barred two passengers from its flights following a violent disturbance that forced a holiday jet to divert last month. The incident occurred aboard flight LS896 from Antalya, Turkey, to Manchester on February 12.

Video circulated online shows the men shouting and fighting in the aircraft's aisle as other passengers and crew attempted to intervene. The pilot made the decision to land the plane in Brussels as a result of what the airline termed the pair's "appalling behaviour."

Upon landing, Belgian police arrested the two individuals. After a delay, the flight continued to Manchester, arriving after 10 p.m. GMT. The Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor's office confirmed the men were processed, with their identities, photographs, and fingerprints recorded. Authorities noted the individuals were "still drunk" at the time and were held briefly before being released to continue their travel.

An official report has been filed for intentional assault and battery, and the investigation remains active. Jet2, which promotes itself as a family-friendly carrier, stated it has a zero-tolerance policy for such disruptions. The airline apologized to affected customers and crew and announced it will vigorously pursue the two men to recover all costs associated with the unscheduled landing and related expenses.