Unruly Passenger Incident Diverts SunExpress Flight to Dalaman

In a recent news story, an unsettling incident unfolded aboard a SunExpress flight from the UK to Turkey. The incident resulted in the flight making an emergency landing in Serbia. SunExpress flight XQ505, found itself diverted to Belgrade due to the disruptive actions of a passenger mid-flight. Such occurrences not only jeopardise the safety of passengers but also pose significant challenges to airline crew members who must navigate these situations calmly and professionally.

Reports indicate that around three hours into the journey, while the plane was flying over Sarajevo, Bosnia, cabin crew were left with no choice but to divert the aircraft. Video footage has emerged, capturing the moments of tension as a man and woman engaged in a heated exchange involving a passenger in the row behind them. Abusive language and shouting can be heard with the man telling another passenger to “sit down” and “**** off”. All of this was likely overheard by many of the other passengers and crew. The escalating situation resulted in the man being mechanically restrained following his disruptive behaviour.

Flight XQ505 had originally departed from Manchester Airport shortly before 7.30pm on 9th April, destined for Dalaman, Turkey. However, when the passenger became ‘unruly’, flight attendants were forced to intervene and the aircraft made an emergency landing to be met by police, over 700 miles away in Belgrade, Serbia. Flight XQ505 then resumed its course, finally landing in Dalaman later that night.

A spokesperson from SunExpress said: "Upon arrival, the passenger was removed from the aircraft by local police and the aircraft continued to Dalaman after the passenger's disembarkation. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is of the highest priority to SunExpress."

Conclusion

As a company specialising in the training of flight attendants, we at SecuriCare are deeply concerned about the welfare of airline employees and the well-being of passengers affected by such incidents. Disruptive behaviour on flights can escalate quickly, ranging from disturbances to potentially life-threatening situations. Our foremost priority is to equip cabin crew with the skills and knowledge necessary to intervene effectively, ensuring the safety and security of all on board.

Why Choose SecuriCare?

At SecuriCare, we have been at the forefront of disruptive passenger behaviour prevention and management since 1996. Our training programmes are utilised by airlines worldwide, empowering crew members to handle various levels of disruptive behaviour with confidence and competence. From conflict resolution to physical restraint techniques, our comprehensive curriculum covers every aspect of managing in-flight disturbances.

Our training programme encompasses:

• Understanding national and international laws pertaining to disruptive passenger management, including crew responsibilities and powers.

• Establishing a hierarchy of threat levels and corresponding responses.

• Familiarising crew members with police protocols for managing disruptive incidents.

• Providing techniques for early intervention, conflict de-escalation, and teamwork in managing challenging behaviours.

• Training in the safe and effective restraint of violent passengers, including the application of the SecuriCare Airline Seat Restraint System.

• Guidance on post-incident management to ensure a thorough and professional response.

SecuriCare Airline Seat Restraint (ASR)

One of our key innovations is the SecuriCare Airline Seat Restraint (ASR) system, which offers a safe method of securely restraining unruly passengers. By safely immobilising violent or unruly passengers to their seats, the ASR system eliminates further physical threats until authorities can intervene upon landing.

Licensed Trainer Programme

Our SecuriCare Licensed Trainer Programme empowers individuals to deliver in-house training to crew members, ensuring ongoing preparedness and proficiency in managing disruptive behaviour.

Safeguarding airline safety requires proactive measures and comprehensive training. At SecuriCare, we are committed to equipping airline personnel with the tools and expertise needed to address disruptive incidents effectively, promoting the well-being of both passengers and crew.