Passengers Disrupt Milan to London Flight by Eating Passports

A flight from Milan to London-Stansted was diverted to Paris on October 15, 2023, following alarming behavior from two passengers. One of the individuals reportedly tore pages from his passport and consumed them, while another attempted to flush his passport down the toilet. The incident prompted the flight crew to take action to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

The situation escalated shortly after the flight took off, as passengers began to notice the unusual behavior of the two men approximately 15 to 20 minutes into the journey. Once the seatbelt sign was turned off, one man, seated at the front of the aircraft, started ripping out pages from his passport and eating them, causing panic among fellow travelers. Witnesses described the atmosphere as tense, with passengers feeling increasingly alarmed as the events unfolded.

A flight attendant was alerted and approached the front of the plane to assess the situation. Witnesses reported that the mood shifted dramatically, as uncertainty filled the cabin regarding the bizarre actions of the two men. In an effort to contain the situation, a crew member knocked on the lavatory door, where one of the men was attempting to dispose of his passport.

The crew reacted swiftly, making an announcement over the plane’s loudspeaker to inform passengers of the unfolding events. This communication left many visibly shaken, as they struggled to understand why their fellow travelers were engaging in such erratic behavior.

The flight was ultimately diverted to Paris, where French authorities were waiting for the aircraft’s arrival. Upon landing, they arrested both individuals involved in the incident. Passengers expressed their relief that the situation was resolved, with one traveler describing the experience as “the most terrifying 15 minutes of my life.”

Despite the chaos, travelers commended Ryanair for its handling of the situation, noting that the aircraft continued its journey to London following a two-hour delay. The incident has raised questions about passenger behavior on flights and how airlines manage emergencies while ensuring safety and security.

As air travel continues to rebound, this incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of flying and the importance of vigilant crew members who are trained to respond to unusual situations.