FLIGHT PANIC: ‘INTOXICATED’ HOLIDAYMAKER TRIED TO OPEN EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR MID-AIR

A HOLIDAYMAKER tried to open the emergency exit door of a packed Jet2 passenger flight in mid-air, a court heard today.

The drunk’ holidaymaker, 26, tried to open the plane’s emergency exit in mid-air resulting in two RAF Typhoons sent to intercept the Jet2 flight and escort it back to Stansted.

The incident took place on June 22 this year. The Typhoon fighter aircraft caused sonic booms as they flew to intercept the Airbus 321 bound for Dalaman in Turkey and guide it back to the north London airport, where Haines was arrested.

Jet2 later sent Chloe Haines, of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, an £85,000 bill for the flight scare and escort service.

Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court further heard this morning how Ms Haines allegedly scratched cabin crew member Charley Coombe.

Katharine Houghton, prosecuting, told the court, as reported by the Daily Mail, that the matter was “too serious to be heard today” and “must go to crown court.”

The lawyer said Haines stood up shortly after take-off and threatened cabin crew who had to restrain her together with the aid of passengers on the flight.

Chloe was later charged with assault by beating and a reckless or negligent act in a manner likely to endanger aircraft or people in an aircraft.

Haines appeared behind the reinforced glass of the dock in the courtroom, but did not enter a plea, limiting to only confirming her name, age and address during the brief hearing.

District Judge Timothy King granted Haines bail on the condition she must not enter any UK airport. Haines has also received a lifetime ban from the airline.

The case has been sent to a crown court where the 26-year-old will enter a plea. Her appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court, will be four weeks time, on December 18.