Ryanair Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Manchester After Passenger Tries To Open Exit

Last Updated:August 26, 2025, 03:13 IST

After engineers inspected and repaired the emergency exit, the flight resumed its journey at 11:22 am local time on August 25.

The flight, RK1266 is operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft registered G-RUKO (Pexels/Representative Image)

A Ryanair flight traveling from Manchester to Agadir, Morocco, was forced to make an emergency landing less than an hour after takeoff when a female passenger allegedly attempted to open one of the aircraft’s emergency exits.

According to a report by Manchester Evening News, the woman’s behavior raised alarms among fellow passengers, who quickly intervened and alerted cabin crew. The flight, RK1266, operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft registered G-RUKO, had departed Manchester Airport at approximately 9:00 am local time on August 25.

Fellow passengers recalled that the woman was seated next to the emergency exit and tried to tamper with it. “She was only able to get the plastic covering off and as a result was unsuccessful, as other passengers stopped her and made cabin crew aware of the situation at 9:30 am, who then made the captain aware," one passenger told the news outlet.

As a result, the aircraft made a U-turn and landed back at Manchester Airport at 10:09 am, according to data from FlightRadar24. A video taken from onboard shows Greater Manchester Police officers boarding the aircraft and retrieving items from overhead compartments after the woman was removed from her seat. The plane’s captain was reportedly seen standing near the door to ensure safety during the incident.

Ryanair confirmed the disruption in a statement to Metro, “This flight from Manchester to Agadir diverted back to Manchester shortly after takeoff after a passenger became disruptive onboard." The airline further explained that their crew called ahead for police assistance. Authorities met the aircraft upon arrival, and the woman was taken off the flight.

Ryanair emphasised its firm stance on passenger conduct, stating, “Ryanair has a strict zero tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct and will continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour, ensuring that all passengers and crew travel in a safe and respectful environment, without unnecessary disruption."

After engineers inspected and repaired the emergency exit, the flight resumed its journey at 11:22 am and landed in Agadir with less than a two-hour delay.

Location :

United Kingdom (UK)

First Published:

August 26, 2025, 03:13 IST

News world Ryanair Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Manchester After Passenger Tries To Open Exit

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