A distracted passenger, caught up in the ambiance of a bar terrace, recently caused quite a small chaos mid-flight. During a journey from Valencia to Milan, he decided to smoke as if nothing was wrong, disregarding the strict rules. The cabin crew, bewildered, had to turn back, leaving this jovial traveler behind. This misadventure perfectly illustrates the unexpected incidents that can occur in an aerial context.
How could a passenger confuse a flight with a bar terrace?
On Monday, October 28, a rather comical incident occurred on a Ryanair flight from Valencia (Spain) to Milan (Italy). A man, apparently under the influence of alcohol or substances, decided that the comfort of an airplane seat was the same as that of a bar terrace. At that moment, he began to want to smoke, ignoring the strict rules prohibiting any kind of smoke on board an airplane.
The other passengers, surprised and disturbed by his loud behavior, initially tried to make him understand that he wasn’t enjoying a cocktail mid-flight. The atmosphere, which was supposed to be relaxing, quickly turned into a real absurdity dance when the traveler lit a cigarette, creating discomfort for everyone. The crew, of course, received complaints, and their mission to restore tranquility on board proved delicate.
What measures were taken by the crew?
Faced with the passenger’s indecorous behavior, the crew attempted several approaches to convince him to calm down. Barely twenty minutes after takeoff, it became evident that dialogue was getting nowhere. At that point, the captain had to make a difficult choice. On one hand, he had to ensure the serenity of the other passengers, and on the other hand, he had to enforce the rules.
Ultimately, the captain decided to turn back and return to Valencia airport. In mid-air, the tense atmosphere pressured the crew to call upon the local authorities to manage this slip-up. Thus, the plane landed in Valencia, and Guardia Civil agents took charge of evicting the disruptive passenger. This situation reminds everyone that aviation safety rules must always be respected for the safety of everyone on board.
What impact on the other passengers?
This type of incident does not occur without consequences for the other travelers. After returning to Valencia, the crew ensured that those who also wanted to reach Milan could be adequately taken care of. However, the flight recorded a delay of over one hundred minutes, which did not fail to cause grumbling among passengers who had already been waiting for quite some time.
The delays related to this kind of misadventure can cause a cascade of inconveniences:
- Risk of missed connections to other flights.
- Concerns for passengers with commitments on arrival.
- Upset in the airport’s operational order.
What risks are associated with such behavior?
The diverted situation demonstrated limits that might be considered humorous, but the sanctions for such behaviors can be as severe as they are relentless. This incident reminds travelers that smoking on board an airplane is not only an offense but could also result in much more serious consequences. Indeed, in the eyes of the law, indecorous behaviors can lead to exorbitant fines or even prison sentences.
In France, for example, smoking on an airplane can result in fines exceeding 750 euros. Passengers must remember that, in a closed space like an airplane, every action can have significant repercussions, not only for oneself but also for all those on board. Prevention comes through respect for safety rules and the common sense of passengers.
What future for this unpredictable passenger?
After being expelled from the plane, what becomes of this agitated passenger? Indeed, once relieved of the frenetic race of his last flight, he was identified by local authorities and seemed to cause no more problems. However, this does not mean that his journey will be over. With the flight turned back, he will certainly have to consider purchasing another ticket to continue his path to Milan.
Imagining the scene of this man, watching the other passengers take off while he finds himself, on the tarmac, in Valencia, is rather comical. His contrast with the general enthusiasm of the other passengers heading to their destination reveals how certain misadventures can ruffle travel plans.

This misadventure reminds every passenger that a flight is not a bar terrace, but a space where rules must be respected. The incident on this Ryanair flight, where an individual under the influence of alcohol began to smoke, highlights the risks some take. By believing he was at the center of a party, he not only disrupted the flight but also caused a diversion of the aircraft, forcing his fellow travelers to face a significant delay.
After an expulsion by the authorities, this individual found himself without options to reach his destination, leaving behind a flight that had attributed several inconveniences to those who were behaving properly. Such is the lesson that passengers should keep in mind: commercial aviation, while enjoyable, is a serious environment where it is crucial to respect the rules.
The sanctions resulting from violations of safety regulations can be severe. Thus, this anecdote becomes a warning for all passengers: it is better to keep festive behaviors on the ground rather than mid-flight.