Passengers mutiny after seven hour runway wait

The scene on a Middle East Airlines plane erupted into chaos this weekend when passengers were forced to wait almost seven hours on the runway. Two take off slots were missed from London Heathrow Airport because of thunderstorms, prompting a Lord of the Flies-style mutiny, according to reports.

The Beirut-bound plane was originally scheduled to leave the London hub at 13:00, but was prevented from doing so because of bad weather. At 17:00 the 230 passengers were then told that another slot had been missed, meaning they would not now be able to take off until 19:30.

Police had to be called onto the aircraft when the angry passengers began to take their frustration out on the airline staff. According to reports, some people began pushing and shoving and using abusive language. The airline staff were making repeated calls over the microphone system for the passengers to calm down.

Eight officers piled on to the aircraft in an attempt to restore order. No arrests were made, however, and the aircraft apparently eventually took off with all passengers on board.

During the ordeal, one woman complained of heart palpitations and a man had to be given oxygen as he became so worked up. Some passengers were also trying to steal meals from the galley, according to reports.

 

Posted in: Passengers mutiny after seven hour runway wait