Ryanair flight from hell: Dropped oxygen masks & passenger rows leave everyone wondering if they will ever get to Crete

Holidaymakers heading from Vienna to Crete on a Ryanair jet faced a right nightmare start to their break on Friday. The plane took off around 12.30pm but then unexplainably, oxygen masks suddenly dropped from the cabin ceiling half an hour into the flight. The crew turned the aircraft round and headed straight back to Vienna Airport.

Technical checks followed on the ground. A passenger video showed adhesive tape being used on the affected area, which made everyone feel better (sarcasm). The pilot then announced to the passengers that a new departure was lined up for 3.40pm. That left travellers stuck on board waiting.

Passenger asks for water, and row kicks off

The long, frustrating delay brought about a second drama. One man asked a flight attendant for a free bottle of water, saying he felt unwell. An argument broke out over whether it should be free of charge or not, and witnesses say he muttered the English insult “bitch”. Tempers flared and police were eventually called.

Seven officers boarded soon after and the man and his partner were ordered off. He repeated that he only wanted water because he was feeling ill. Hand luggage checks followed in the overhead bins to make sure nothing belonging to the pair stayed behind on the plane.

Then, another dramatic turn came next. The man collapsed on the tarmac. Emergency crews rushed in, and nearly an hour later he left the ambulance. The pair were taken away from the apron by bus.

More than four hours stuck on board and no take off

Police involvement had cost the flight another departure slot. The new takeoff time then slipped to 4.30pm. The remaining passengers sat through the long wait with one Viennese traveller telling the Austrian media outlet Heute that everyone still had to pay for food, drinks and water after more than four hours on the plane. The toilets were out of action at times too. That same passenger said it was definitely his last trip with the budget airline.

Whose law applies when you are up in the air?

Planes are not law-free zones, even if they feel like a bubble cut off from the world. Clear rules cover crimes, medical emergencies and injuries once the doors close.

The passenger rights platform Flightright points out several little-known points. Legal expert Lucia Cegarra explains that travellers need to know crew powers, their own duties and the legal limits that apply on board.

Crimes and disruptive behaviour on flights

Anyone causing trouble, threatening crew, attacking other passengers, refusing safety instructions faces real consequences, or even insulting cabin crew. Territoriality normally applies, and a country continues to enforce its laws inside its borders, even if it is in the air. International flights make that tricky, so the “law of the flag” comes into play. Rules of the state where the aircraft is registered can apply. In this case, the Ryanair flight might carry an Irish or Maltese flag, and so generally adheres to the laws from those states.

Several legal systems might get involved depending on the facts: the country whose airspace the plane is flying through, the state of registration, or the place where it lands. The captain holds special powers. He or she must keep order and safety and can take any steps needed if people or the aircraft are at risk. That covers aggressive passengers, those ignoring crew orders or anyone putting safety in danger.

The crew can move people to different seats, calm things down or order an unscheduled landing in an emergency. Passengers must follow crew instructions. Refusal risks trouble on the plane and probable legal action once it lands.

Injuries during a flight

Turbulence, a fall in the aisle or spilt hot coffee can leave someone hurt. An airline may be liable in certain cases. The Montreal Convention covers many international flights on this point.

Report the incident straight away to the crew and gather evidence. Photos, witness names and a written confirmation help. Claims can be assessed later depending on the exact cause and circumstances.