Two disruptive passengers are facing serious consequences after their behaviour forced a Jet2 flight from Edinburgh to Turkey to divert mid-journey.

The incident, which took place on 8 October 2024, has resulted in legal action, compensation orders and lifetime flight bans.

What Happened Onboard

Courtney Maich, 27, and her partner Alannah O’Neill, 28, were travelling as part of a larger group on the flight from Edinburgh to Dalaman.

It was reported that drunken arguments broke out between them during the journey. Despite being asked by cabin crew to stop shouting and swearing, the pair refused to calm down.

Maich received a written warning from the captain. However, the disruption continued, and the decision was made to divert the aircraft to Cologne.

As German police removed Maich from the plane, she spat at the mother of a child onboard, an act described in Edinburgh Sheriff Court as a “disgraceful and disgusting” attack.

Major Disruption For Passengers

The diversion caused significant delays for everyone onboard.

Passengers were grounded in Cologne for three hours before the flight could continue to Dalaman. In addition, the return flight to Edinburgh had to be postponed until the following day.

Jet2 confirmed it spent £27,370.53 accommodating passengers and crew in overnight hotels as a result of the incident.

The airline has now launched a civil action against both women to recover those costs.

Court Sentences And Penalties

Maich and O’Neill, both from Dundee, admitted to various offences last month.

They have been ordered to:

  • Wear electronic tags and observe curfews (four months for Maich, three months for O’Neill)
  • Complete 120 hours of unpaid work
  • Follow a 12-month supervision order

In addition, Maich has been ordered to pay £200 in compensation to the passenger she spat at. A non-appearance warrant has also been issued for the arrest of another woman, Michaela Hawes, 35, also from Dundee.

Jet2’s Zero-Tolerance Approach

Jet2 confirmed it will “vigorously pursue” the two passengers for the financial losses incurred.

A spokesperson told Travel Gossip:

“This case demonstrates that there are serious consequences if you act in a disruptive or aggressive fashion onboard an aircraft.

As well as banning them from flying with us for life, we will vigorously pursue Ms Maich and Ms O’Neill for the losses that we have incurred.

As a family friendly airline carrying millions of holidaymakers, many of whom our families, we take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive passenger behaviour.”

Both women have now been banned from flying with Jet2 for life.

A Clear Warning To Travellers

The case highlights the growing consequences for disruptive behaviour in the air. Diversions are costly, cause major disruption to fellow passengers and can carry significant legal and financial penalties.

For airlines, the message is clear: zero tolerance.

For travellers, it’s a reminder that behaviour at 35,000 feet carries the same serious consequences as it does on the ground.