Arrest after 'passenger boards easyJet flight at Manchester Airport with wrong documentation'

A passenger was allowed to board a plane at Manchester Airport without the correct documentation, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.

It's understood the man had a boarding pass for a different flight. The alarm was only raised after the plane had taxied out onto the runway. One passenger who witnessed the incident said police officers boarded the flight, which was subsequently searched.

The man was taken off by police. Passengers were taken off and had to be re-screened. All luggage and suitcases on board were also searched as the flight returned to the gate. The flight involved was an easyJet plane to Milan Malpensa - flight number EZY 2127 - which was delayed as a result.

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Greater Manchester Police confirmed a man aged in his 20s was arrested and remained in custody today - Saturday - after the incident on Friday night. He's being held on suspicion of secreting himself for the purpose of being carried in an aircraft without consent and intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance.

The M.E.N. understands nothing suspicious was found on board. The incident at Terminal One is not being treated as terror-related.

The gate departure time was 6.23pm on Friday, but the flight took off from the airport at 11.10pm. The Airbus plane landed in Milan at just before 2am on Saturday. It was more than four-and-a-half hours late as a result.

The man was fully and successfully screened at security at the airport, with the issue apparently happening at the boarding gate.

EasyJet, writing on its website, apologised for the delay and referenced a 'passenger incident'. "We're sorry your plane has returned to its gate. We are assessing the situation and hope to get you on your way very soon," wrote the airline.

"The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance."

A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said all its security processes were followed as they should be. They said the matter was being investigated by police.

The M.E.N. has contacted easyJet for further comment and clarification.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 7pm last night (Friday 4 October 2024), we were called to Manchester Airport to reports of a man who had embarked on a flight without the correct documentation.

"On arrival back to the terminal, officers arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of secreting himself for the purpose of being carried in an aircraft without consent and intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance.

"He remains in police custody for questioning and enquiries are ongoing." No further details have been revealed.