A Ryanair flight en route from Milan to London Stansted was diverted to Paris Beauvais Airport after two male passengers engaged in bizarre and alarming acts of passport destruction mid-flight, causing significant alarm among fellow passengers and crew. The incident, which occurred on September 29, 2025, approximately 15 to 20 minutes after takeoff, saw one man begin tearing pages from his passport and consuming them, while his companion attempted to flush his passport down a toilet.
Chaos Erupts Mid-Flight
The unsettling events unfolded shortly after the seatbelt sign was switched off. Witnesses described one passenger methodically tearing pages from his passport and ingesting them, an act that quickly drew the attention of those nearby. The situation escalated when his travel companion locked himself in the aircraft’s lavatory and began attempting to flush his passport. Flight attendants responded swiftly, attempting to de-escalate the situation by knocking on the bathroom door and urging the passenger to desist. Despite their efforts, the passenger refused to cooperate.
Diversion to Paris and Arrests
Amidst the growing confusion and tension onboard, the flight crew made the decision to divert the flight to Paris Beauvais Airport for safety and immigration reasons. Passengers described the ensuing descent as “the most terrifying 15 minutes of my life”. Upon landing in France, French authorities boarded the aircraft and arrested both men. Following the arrests and a thorough security sweep of the aircraft and luggage, the flight was cleared to continue its journey to London Stansted Airport. The diversion and subsequent procedures caused a delay of approximately two hours.
Passenger and Crew Response
The disruptive behavior caused considerable panic and confusion among the other passengers. One witness described the scene as “chaos all around as nobody understood what was happening”. The cabin crew’s handling of the tense situation, however, was widely praised by passengers. Many commended the crew for remaining calm and professional, with one traveler noting, “I think Ryanair was brilliant in handling it in a certain way. They gave out drinks towards the end of the flight”.
Unclear Motives and Security Implications
The motives behind the passengers’ actions remain unclear, leaving both authorities and witnesses perplexed. Speculation online has suggested various reasons, including potential asylum tactics, though this has not been confirmed. This incident highlights the significant challenges airlines face in managing disruptive passenger behavior and the complex security implications of passport destruction mid-flight. Tampering with travel documents poses a serious risk to aviation safety and the integrity of international travel verification processes.
While the specific airline and aircraft type were not detailed in all reports, the event occurred on a Ryanair flight, a prominent European carrier known for its extensive routes. This unusual case serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of vigilance and preparedness in maintaining flight security. The incident has prompted discussions about in-flight security protocols and passenger rights, underscoring the need for robust measures to ensure the safety and order of air travel. This story quickly became a trending topic, illustrating how quickly unusual events can capture global news coverage.
Despite the disruption, no injuries were reported during the incident. The two arrested passengers were processed by French authorities. The flight eventually landed at London Stansted Airport, concluding a journey that became an unforgettable, albeit terrifying, experience for everyone on board. This news became a cover story for the unexpected drama that unfolded thousands of feet in the air.
