Thomas Cook passenger arrested after mid-air punch up
A Thomas Cook Airlines flight heading to Fuerteventura in Spain was forced to return to Manchester after a fight broke out between a passenger and his father.
Flight FL290 had just taken off when the two began a heated argument which allegedly became physical, with punches being thrown. Five cabin crew and passengers restrained the pair while the pilot returned the aircraft to Manchester.
It was forced to circle the airport to burn fuel, before landing 80 minutes after take-off. A male passenger, in his 50s, was arrested and has since been released on police bail. The passenger’s father also left the flight.
A Thomas Cook spokeswoman said: "We have a zero tolerance policy towards disruptive and aggressive behaviour. We’d like to thank the other passengers onboard for their patience and understanding, and are pleased that their flight was able to depart with minimal delay."
The incident caused the flight to be delayed almost four hours.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026