EasyJet has launched an internal review after passengers on a flight from Gatwick to Spain reportedly staged a mutiny when cabin crew tried to have two Black men removed by police folowing a disagreement.
Witnesses say two men “huffed” at a crew member after she told them to put their shoes on for take off because they were sitting in an emergency exit row, according to the Daily Mail.
Armed police were summoned to the aircraft to order the pair to leave but video posted on social media shows other passengers objecting to the crew’s response and telling the two men to “sit down” and ignore the request.
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On Twitter, passenger Luke Gayle said that a flight attendant had “called the police because a black boy huffed after she told him to put his feet under the seat.”
Mr Gayle said that it was “a humbling moment” when passengers told the men to sit back down, adding: “Who knows if this was a race thing. However, he and his 2 friends are the only black people on the flight.”
He also shared a video of the airline preparing to remove the men’s checked bags from the hold.
Thursday’s flight departed three hours late with new cabin crew, but with the two men still onboard.
Emergency exit rows must be kept clear of all potential obstacles, including bags, shoes and coats, and keeping shoes on until after take-off is advisable.
Under the Air Navigation Order 2016 it is an offence to disobey the commander (captain) or their crew.
