Image reproduced from 聯合新聞網

International reports indicate that on July 8, a flight from Cancun, Mexico to London, England was forced to make an emergency landing in Maine, USA after two passengers were caught smoking in the airplane restroom. This incident caused the remaining passengers to be held for a total of 17 hours, leaving many feeling exasperated and frustrated.

According to reports, the TUI Airlines flight had been airborne for approximately one hour when crew members received notification of two passengers smoking onboard. An announcement was made that if the two individuals did not cease smoking, the flight would be diverted for an unscheduled landing. Unfortunately, the couple ignored the warning.

After flying for about three hours, the plane approached the Canadian border, but shortly thereafter, it was forced to turn back and head towards Maine, USA. Passenger Terry Lawrance mentioned in an interview, “Everyone was going crazy,” as passengers began to feel anxious and uneasy upon hearing the news of the emergency landing.

Approximately at 9:30 PM Eastern Time, the plane safely landed, and the two smoking passengers were escorted off the aircraft. Lawrance noted that the two individuals seemed intoxicated and argued with the crew, adding to the chaos of the situation.

Initially, the crew informed the remaining passengers that they would soon be able to take off again after completing some paperwork. However, it turned out that the nightmare was just beginning. Passengers waited for a total of around five hours in Maine, only to later receive an announcement that due to crew members having exceeded their legal working hours, they would have to disembark.

As a result, the airline sent an emergency flight from the UK to Maine to pick up the passengers. The location where they landed appeared to be a military facility, and passengers had to sleep on makeshift cots, resembling a temporary shelter in a war zone. All luggage remained onboard the aircraft, and many passengers expressed frustration over waiting there for at least 12 hours before receiving their first cup of water. Finally, the following afternoon, after all the turmoil, this group of beleaguered passengers was able to officially depart for their journey to England.

This incident highlights the importance of aviation safety and the impact of smoking on others, especially within enclosed spaces. Experts remind that smoking poses risks not only to oneself but can also have serious consequences for the safety of others.