13/05/2004

Passengers removed from Flybe flight

A party of 30 business travellers were escorted off a plane before it took off from Glasgow to Belfast City last night.

Following allegations of serious disturbances and drunken antics on the aircraft shortly before take-off, police removed 30 passengers from the aircraft, a scheduled Flybe flight which was due to leave Glasgow at around 8.30pm on Wednesday bound for Belfast.

On top of the alleged rowdy behaviour, the captain had passengers removed after smelling alcohol in the main cabin.

Those thought to be involved remained in Glasgow, while the 17 passengers left aboard were flown to Belfast International Airport after a three-hour delay.

A statement from Flybe said: "The captain discerned a strong smell of alcohol in the passenger cabin, and in the interests of passenger safety and comfort, he off-loaded the aircraft.

"Given the subsequent late departure of the flight it was diverted to Belfast international where passengers were bussed to Belfast City Airport on arrival.

"Passenger safety is paramount in all of Flybe's operations and an investigation is under way to ascertain the full circumstances of this incident.

"The 17 passengers who travelled should contact customer services in Exeter to seek a refund."

(MB)

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