Flight diverted after disruptive passenger forced emergency landing

A flight from Bucharest to Gran Canaria was diverted to Malaga on Saturday after the crew reported a disruptive passenger believed to be under the influence of drugs, according to air traffic controllers.

The aircraft was heading for the Canary Islands when the crew contacted the control centre in Seville and said they needed to change course urgently. Controllers said the passenger appeared to be under the effects of psychoactive substances.

Air traffic staff then arranged for the plane to make a continuous descent and direct approach to the runway, giving the landing priority. Guardia Civil officers were asked to wait on the ground and intervene when the aircraft arrived.

The controllers said they coordinated the operation with Malaga airport to ensure the diversion was handled safely and without delay. They also expressed support for crews and passengers who, they said, increasingly have to deal with incidents of this kind.

No further details were given about the passenger or whether any arrest was made after landing.

Priority landing arranged

The diversion appears to have been handled quickly once the problem was reported in the air. By requesting a priority landing, controllers were able to bring the aircraft in directly and avoid unnecessary holding time over the coast.

The incident came after a busy day for air travel at the airport, but officials did not say that any other flights were affected by the operation.