LONDON — Police were requested to meet an EasyJet flight upon its arrival at London Gatwick Airport late Wednesday evening following a physical altercation between two female passengers and concerns raised by flight crew that one individual may have been traveling against their will.
EasyJet flight U28394, operated by an Airbus A319 (registration G-EZGO), departed Toulouse–Blagnac Airport in France at 9:50 PM local time on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, bound for London Gatwick.
While the aircraft was on final approach to London Gatwick, the flight crew radioed air traffic control and ground operations to request an urgent police response upon landing. Flight attendants reported a physical fight breaking out mid-air between two individuals seated together in row 24.
According to operational reports, cabin crew observed visible fresh bruising on at least one of the woman. Beyond the physical assault, the situation escalated when crew members voiced serious safety concerns, suspecting that one of the passengers in question was being coerced or transported against their will.
To maintain control of the aircraft and prevent the suspects from exiting prematurely into the terminal area, the pilots specifically instructed ground handling staff not to attach air stairs to the rear door of the aircraft upon parking. By restricting exit access at the back, crew ensured that those involved in row 24 remained contained until law enforcement officers could board the jet.
Local authorities met the aircraft immediately after it arrived at the gate, where officers boarded to resolve the situation and secure the passengers involved. A 39-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody.
