Investigation launched after man without ticket boards easyJet flight at Manchester Airport

A man has been arrested after he was able to get on a passenger plane at Manchester Airport without a boarding pass.

The man, aged in his 20s, had passed through security checks at from Terminal 1 and was able to board Friday night's easyJet flight EZY2127 to Milan.

ITV News understands the packed plane was about to depart and had taxied onto the runway when easyJet cabin crew on board realised he shouldn't have been there.

Police were called and everyone had to disembark while luggage was returned to passengers.

Police and airport officials said today the had gone though proper checks ahead of arriving at the gate, and he posed no threat to the plane or the passengers.

There's also no suggestion the incident was terror-related and nothing suspicious was found onboard.

Greater Manchester Police added: "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 secrete self 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."

EasyJet has confirmed an investigation is underway.

Aviation experts said the company is likely to be speaking to staff and viewing CCTV to find out how the man got on their plane.

The airline said it was 'working to understand how he was able to board the flight', but wouldn't confirm any further details, saying the investigation was continuing.

A spokesperson said only that he had 'incorrectly boarded'.

Passengers on the flight, however, said they believed the man didn't have a boarding pass, in what they called a 'security breach'.

It's understood the flight to Milan, Italy, had taxied onto the runway at the airport ahead of take-off when easyJet cabin crew on board realised he shouldn't have been there.

Manchester Airport said: "The passenger in question was screened by security according to the usual process."

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