A supposed drunk passenger was thrown off a plane after “masturbating” in their seat.
The flight was forced to make a dramatic U-turn after the suspect allegedly harassed a woman following the sexual act.
The traveller was filmed being thrown off the plane by cops at the departure airport, reports Need To Know.
READ MORE: Brit reveals little-known Benidorm rule that could see you fined £130 on the spot
It took place on an Avianca flight from the Colombian capital Bogotá to Madrid, Spain, yesterday (12 May).
The disruptive passenger, who appeared heavily intoxicated, caused immediate tension among fellow travellers on the long-haul service.
Flight attendants tried to intervene, but the rowdy flyer ignored all warnings and became increasingly hostile toward the cabin crew, according to reports.
Fearing for the safety of passengers and crew members on board, the captain aborted the route to Spain and initiated an emergency return to Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport.
Aviation authorities confirmed that the pilot requested immediate assistance from ground teams due to “unacceptable, disruptive, and unsafe passenger conduct”.
Police officers boarded the plane shortly after landing and removed the man from his seat in full view of passengers, as shown in the footage that quickly spread on social media.
It is not yet known whether the affected woman has filed a formal complaint against him.
A spokesperson for the airline condemned the passenger’s behaviour, reiterating a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment, sexual misconduct, or air rage on flights.
Criminal lawyer Juan Camilo Sanclemente said the passenger could face a prison sentence of between one year and two months and three years and two months under the country’s Penal Code for harassment and molestation on board a commercial flight.
The Civil Aeronautics Authority and the airline could also impose restrictions on future travel.
The flight was able to continue its journey to Madrid after the brief, but dramatic, delay
Local authorities confirmed that an official investigation is now underway, with statements being collected from the flight crew and eyewitnesses who were seated near the unruly passenger.
READ MORE: Spring Bank Holiday travel update as Brits urged NOT to cancel trips over fuel shortage fears
