A flight from Madrid to Medellín (Colombia) had to be diverted and land at Gran Canaria airport, due to a “disruptive passenger” and another who was suffering from an anxiety attack.
As evidenced by the X account @controladores around 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day, the crew of flight AEA199, operated by Air Europa requested the presence of the police at the time of landing to take care of said “disruptive” passenger, as well as medical assistance on the ground for the person suffering from the anxiety attack.
In response to his request, the controllers provided a break in the road and on approach so that the landing, which otherwise took place without incident, could be carried out as quickly as possible.
“The fury in the air”
This case would represent an example of what we call “air rage”, in reference to the inappropriate, aggressive or violent behavior passengers on board a flight, endangering the safety of all passengers and crew.
There is evidence, such as a report from the International Air Transport Association, that this type of behavior have increased in recent years. Air traffic controllers are precisely echoing this problem, expressing their support for “crews and passengers, who have to endure this type of situation more and more often”.
Among the possible causes, he cites research published in 2024 on the platform EBSCO, there could be delays, alcohol consumption, overbooking, reducing space in each square and other emotional and environmental factors, including the increasing incidence of mental health problems.
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