Incident Highlights Growing Industry Concerns Over Alcohol-Related Disruptions and Passenger Safety
DUBAI — A flydubai flight preparing to depart Dubai International Airport for Moscow faced a two-hour delay this week after an intoxicated Russian passenger disrupted final takeoff procedures, prompting the captain to request police intervention. The incident adds to a rising number of alcohol-related disruptions putting pressure on airlines and airport authorities across key travel markets.
The disturbance began just moments before departure. Passengers were seated, overhead bins secured, and crew members had completed safety checks when the situation turned chaotic. According to witness accounts, “the calm shifted when one woman began acting erratically and showed clear signs of intoxication.” She began yelling for more alcohol, pushing passengers seated near her, and shouting at crew members attempting to finalize cabin preparations.
Witnesses said her behavior escalated quickly. She confronted a passenger who asked her to calm down and then shifted to inappropriate flirtation with another traveler trying to help. Crew members attempted to intervene, but she continued moving around the cabin, interrupting safety procedures and creating a growing risk for everyone on board. The outlet telegrafi reported that staff were unable to stabilize the situation as the passenger became increasingly disruptive.
Recognizing the threat to cabin safety, the captain halted the departure sequence and requested assistance from airport authorities. Police officers boarded the aircraft within minutes. “Officers tried to speak with the passenger, but after she refused to cooperate, they escorted her off the aircraft.” Once she was removed, the crew conducted mandatory post-incident safety and cabin checks before clearing the aircraft for departure.
Operational and Safety Implications
The airline confirmed that the event led to a two-hour delay affecting all travelers on the Dubai–Moscow route. Flydubai emphasized that ensuring the safety of passengers and crew dictated the decision to stop the aircraft and involve security personnel. Avoiding escalation once airborne was a key factor in the response.
The carrier reiterated that protocols require crews to stop departure procedures, alert authorities, and carry out full safety inspections when passenger behavior threatens the security of the cabin environment. These steps, while time-consuming, are necessary to maintain the integrity of the operation and prevent potential in-flight emergencies.
Industry experts note that alcohol-related disruptions continue to pose a significant challenge for airlines, often resulting in costly delays, crew duty-time complications, and schedule disruptions that can ripple across an entire network.
Comparable Case in Manchester Reinforces Broader Trend
The flydubai incident follows a similar case reported in September on a Jet2 flight from Manchester to Ibiza. There, a drunk passenger refused to fasten his seatbelt, prompting officers to board the aircraft and remove him after he ignored crew instructions. According to the account, “Police boarded the aircraft, restrained the man using a four-limb hold, and removed him down the aisle and off the steps to a waiting vehicle.” That flight also departed roughly two hours late.
Under the UK Air Navigation Order 2016, passengers are required to comply with lawful crew instructions, and refusal—particularly while intoxicated—constitutes an offense. Jet2, Ryanair, and easyJet have all reported similar incidents on leisure routes to party destinations such as Ibiza, where alcohol consumption before boarding is more prevalent.
Although European carriers increasingly seek reimbursement from disruptive travelers to offset financial losses, authorities have not confirmed whether Jet2 will pursue cost recovery in this case.
Regulatory and Industry Debate Intensifies
Under EU261 passenger rights rules, airlines are exempt from delay compensation when disruptions are caused by passenger misconduct, as such events fall under extraordinary circumstances. While this shields carriers from direct financial penalties, they remain responsible for providing duty-of-care if delays extend overnight—though neither of these incidents reached that threshold.
Airlines and regulators continue to explore new measures to curb alcohol-related onboard disturbances. Some carriers, including Ryanair, have publicly advocated for restrictions on airport alcohol sales. Critics argue that airlines should enhance preboarding screening to identify intoxicated passengers earlier and prevent them from entering the cabin.
The latest flydubai disruption underscores the operational strain and safety risks that unruly and intoxicated passengers impose on airlines worldwide. As travel demand remains strong, industry stakeholders are calling for coordinated strategies to reduce such incidents and protect both travelers and crew.
