VIDEO: Disruptive passenger is liable for cost of diverting flight, says FlySafair
The airline has confirmed that the aggressive actions of a passenger caused the diversion of an aircraft that had been en route to Cape Town from Joburg last weekend.
Screengrab from TikTok video of Safair incident - @kundaimurapa
Low-cost airline FlySafair has confirmed that a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town last Saturday (10 May) was diverted to Bloemfontein due to the disruptive behaviour of a passenger on board.
Video footage of what apparently occurred on Flight FA600 has been widely circulated on social media.
Upon landing in Bloemfontein, the male passenger was met by the South African Police Service, FlySafair says.
According to one TikToker, he was restrained mid-flight with the use of cable ties by two fellow passengers who have 'a background in security services’.
Apparently the disruptive flyer was threatening people because he hadn't received the right change for a bottle of water he'd bought, and also wanted to actually be on a flight to Durban, not Cape Town.
The video also shows two police officers entering the aircraft after it landed, and escorting the agitated man off the plane, as fellow passengers applauded.
@kundaimurapa Fly Safair in-flight drama. South Africa is a comedy😅🤌🏾
♬ original sound - kundaimurapa
FlySafair says the man has been placed on its no-fly list and - in accordance with the airline’s terms and conditions, will be issued an invoice covering the full costs of the diversion, including fuel and landing fees.
This is not cheap - he could be landed with a bill totalling up up to R100,000.