Portugal Invasion partygoers thrown off easyJet flight after causing ‘unrest’

Local police say the three passengers were being 'rowdy'

The Portugal Invasion festival took place in Albufeira (Getty/iStock)

Three men were removed from an easyJet flight in Faro last night after they “disrespected boarding rules” and caused “unrest” according to a Portuguese police source.

The men had attended the controversial week-long Portugal Invasion festival on the Albufeira coast, which saw armed riot police deployed to control fights that broke out in bars and streets.

Portugal Invasion was billed as an “urban clubbing holiday” and 1,000 Brits jetted out for “partying and activities” which included daytime trips to waterparks, sports days and boat parties. In the evening themed clubbing events were scheduled, some with free bars.

After being removed from the 10.20pm Faro to Gatwick flight the men were not arrested but are expected to pay a fine.

Polícia de Segurança Pública spokesman Hugo Marado, confirmed police had removed three men from an easyJet flight. Speaking on Portuguese TV, he said: “It was behaviour that didn’t guarantee safety for the flight.

“For that reason the captain of the plane decided to activate the police and remove them. This morning they flew back to their country.”

EasyJet however issued a statement about the incident which contradicted the police report. A spokesperson for the airline said: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY2022 from Faro to London Luton on 27 June returned to stand due to two passengers feeling unwell.

“The passengers disembarked along with three other members of their group who chose to accompany them.

“Once the passengers had disembarked the aircraft continued on its journey. The safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew is always easyJet's priority.”

Yet the Faro police insisted to The Independent, "At about 9pm three rowdy passengers were removed from the aircraft Faro to London, because there were no safety conditions to carry out the flight, according to the captain of the aircraft.:

The latest run-in with law enforcement comes after days of tension on the Oura strip where the event took place. The resort town was “besieged” according to reports from residents who spoke to the Daily Mail saying some visitors behaved like “animals”. On Sunday night 50 anti-riot police were dispatched after a mass brawl broke out and warning shots were fired by armed officers to calm the scene.

Following the incident on Sunday, Portugal Invasion cancelled a scheduled Monday event. Event organiser Reiss Brightly addressed the issue via his Twitter feed. He said: “'Invasion Holidays and the associated companies do not condone the behaviour displayed last night.

“Our first priority is people's safety and that was compromised last night.”