Arrests at Derry airport: ‘We will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time’

Ryanair has said the comfort of its customers, crew and aircraft is its “number one priority” and that they will not “not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time.”

The low-cost airline was commenting after police were called to remove two female passengers from a plane that landed at City of Derry Airport this morning.

At least four officers boarded the 6.55am flight from London’s Stansted Airport when it touched down 80 minutes later at Eglinton.

Police said they had responded to a “request from the pilot.”

Both women, aged in their 30s, were taken to Strand Road police station where they were detained until late this afternoon on suspicion of endangering an aircraft.

In a statement confirming their release, police said: “Two women in their thirties, who were removed from an incoming aircraft at City of Derry Airport this morning following a request from the pilot, and were subsequently arrested, have been released.

“Both females received a community resolution notice in relation to disorderly behaviour on an aircraft.”

In a statement this evening, Ryanair said the crew requested police assistance upon landing in Derry after two passengers became “disruptive in-flight.”

Confirming the two women were “removed and detained” by police, the statement added: “We will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time and the safety and comfort of our customers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority.”

The statement concluded: “This is now a matter for local police."

The two women now face lifetime bans by the airline.

Passengers were held on the packed plane for almost an hour before being allowed to disembark.