TENERIFE — Police were called to Tenerife South Airport after disruptive passengers caused concern on board an Aer Lingus flight from Dublin.
The incident unfolded on Thursday evening when the pilot of flight EIN76K radioed ahead to request police assistance on landing.
The Airbus A320 had departed Dublin at 3.30pm and touched down in Tenerife just before 9pm local time.
Police Alerted on Landing
Authorities confirmed that officers were waiting at the airport when the flight arrived.
It is not yet clear whether any arrests were made following the disturbance.
Spanish police have not issued a statement confirming their response or detailing possible penalties for those involved.
Air Traffic Controllers Confirm Incident
The disruption was first flagged by Spanish air traffic controllers, who later shared updates on social media.
They noted that two flights arriving at Tenerife South required emergency responses within minutes of each other.
“One of them, from Dublin, had disruptive passengers requiring police presence upon arrival,” they wrote.
Medical Emergency on EasyJet Flight
Controllers also confirmed that an easyJet service, flight EZY45FU from Manchester, was given priority landing after a passenger on board fell ill.
The aircraft touched down just after 8pm and was met by medical staff.
Both incidents were handled swiftly, with flight paths shortened to ensure rapid arrivals.
How Spain Handles Air Safety Incidents
In Spain, disruptive passenger cases rarely result in immediate arrests unless police officers themselves witness criminal behaviour.
Instead, officers identify those involved and forward reports to the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA).
AESA then determines sanctions, which can include heavy fines or flying bans.
Past Aer Lingus Disruptions in Spain
The airline has faced similar problems on previous routes to the Canary Islands.
In August 2023, Aer Lingus flight EIN78L was forced to divert to Santiago-Rosalia de Castro Airport in Galicia.
Two Irish nationals were removed and later reported for breaching air safety rules.
Other High-Profile Cases
In January 2018, a Ryanair flight from Alicante to Dublin was diverted to Santander after a drunken Irish couple caused disruption.
Video footage showed police escorting the pair off the plane as fellow passengers clapped and shouted “Adios.”
Such incidents highlight the growing issue of mid-air disruptions, particularly on leisure routes between Ireland and Spain.
Consequences for Passengers
Offenders can face steep financial penalties and restrictions on future travel.
Where diversions occur, passengers may also be billed for the cost of rerouting flights.
Authorities in Spain continue to treat disruptive behaviour on aircraft as a serious breach of aviation safety.