Ryanair passenger removed from flight after 'vaping in toilet' causes two-hour delay

A Ryanair passenger who allegedly vaped in the plane toilet was marched off a plane by six police officers.

The 21-year-old man caused a two-hour delay to his flight after it is said he puffed on a vape in the loo before the plane was due to take off at Edinburgh Airport. Police stormed the aircraft and detained the young man on suspicion of breaching aviation laws.

Tristan James Walker, one of the passengers waiting for the plane to leave for Alicante, Spain, filmed the encounter. The 39-year-old man claims the toilet's smoke detector was triggered, resulting in the lad's swift ejection. It comes a passenger told of a "horrendous" 20-hour wait for a Jet2 flight home to the UK, during which families were left without baby food and nappies.

Mr Walker said the man on his flight was bundled into a police van amid their delay. Authorities have confirmed the 21-year-old suspect has been charged in relation to an aviation offence.

Speaking yesterday about the footage, shot on July 3, Mr Walker said: "A young lad in a group happened to set the alarm off for apparently vaping.

"The pilot then came out after the air stewardess explained what happened, and then the pilot stated he would be removed from the plane. The young lad waited for over six police officers to come on board.

"He was taken off, he was very calm, didn't argue or anything, no drama. We then happened to bump into him on Benidorm's famous strip and he told us he just got a caution and was banned from Ryanair."

A representative for Police Scotland said: "Around 7.55 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025 were called to an aircraft at Edinburgh Airport. Officers attended, and a 21-year-old man was charged in connection with an aviation offence. A report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

Ryanair has been approached for comment.