Newsroom
Passengers travelling from Larnaca to Birmingham faced an unexpected delay after four people allegedly refused to stop using electronic cigarettes on board.
Three women and a British man were eventually escorted from the aircraft by police after repeatedly ignoring warnings from the cabin crew and complaints from other passengers.
Video recorded inside the plane shows an officer approaching the group and calmly asking them to leave.
“Would you like to get off, please?” the officer can be heard saying.
According to the passenger who filmed the incident, the aircraft remained on the ground for an additional 20 to 25 minutes while authorities dealt with the situation.
The passenger said the delay was particularly frustrating for families already preparing for a lengthy flight, with several children becoming upset and crying while everyone waited.
Using electronic cigarettes is prohibited on commercial flights, just like smoking conventional cigarettes.
The four passengers were ultimately removed, allowing the Birmingham-bound flight to continue its journey.
