Ryanair
Man 'with three bombs' claimed he could down Ryanair plane in mid-air drama Reuters

A passenger on board a Ryanair flight sparked mid-air chaos by claiming he had "three bombs" with him.

Holidaymakers returning to the UK from Malaga were left frightened last week when a man began ranting and raving.

According to witnesses, he began making "strange noises" and shouting that he could blow up the aircraft.

He hurled cigarettes around before verbally abusing an older woman and punching her husband when he objected.

The mayhem was only brought under control when a group of eight male passengers seized him and restrained him. Some passengers claimed Ryanair staff on board struggled to deal with the situation.

Holidaymaker Hazel Hickson, 53, was travelling with her son back to East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire.

"The crew of this flight from Malaga to East Midlands requested police assistance on arrival after a passenger became disruptive," she said.

"The aircraft landed normally and police removed and detained this passenger. Ryanair sincerely apologise to other customers for any inconvenience suffered on this flight. It is now a matter for Leicestershire police," the Mail reported.

A Ryanair spokesman said: "The crew of this flight from Malaga to East Midlands requested police assistance on arrival after a passenger became disruptive.

"The aircraft landed normally and police removed and detained this passenger. Ryanair sincerely apologise to other customers for any inconvenience suffered on this flight. It is now a matter for Leicestershire police."

Leicestershire Police have charged with a man with common assault, being drunk while on an aircraft and smoking on an aircraft.