Vaping passenger removed from Ryanair flight after setting off alarm in toilet

An eyewitness said the 21-year-old remained calm despite being escorted from the plane by six police officers

A Ryanair passenger caused an almost two-hour delay after allegedly vaping in the toilets before being removed from a flight to Spain.

The 21-year-old man was detained on suspicion of breaching aviation laws on a flight from Edinburgh to Alicante on 3 July.

The Boeing 737 Max 8 was scheduled to depart at 7.05am but didn’t take off until 8.28am, according to Flightaware data.

Passenger Tristan James Walker, 39, told Luxury Travel Daily: “A young lad in a group happened to set the alarm off for apparently vaping.

“The pilot then came out after the air stewardess explained what happened, and then the pilot stated he would be removed from the plane.

“The young lad waited for over six police officers to come on board

“He was taken off, he was very calm, did not argue or anything, no drama.”

The Ryanair flight was delayed for almost two hours (Getty Images)

Footage taken by traveller Walker shows the incident unfolding after the smoke alarm was set off.

Those found to be vaping or smoking on a flight may face fines up to £5000 and flight restrictions.

A representative for Police Scotland said: "Around 7.55 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025 were called to an aircraft at Edinburgh Airport.

“Officers attended, and a 21-year-old man was charged in connection with an aviation offence. A report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

A spokesperson for Ryanair told The Independent: “The crew of this flight from Edinburgh to Alicante (3 July) called ahead for police assistance prior to departure after a passenger became disruptive onboard.

“This passenger was offloaded before this flight continued to Alicante.

“Ryanair has a strict zero tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct and will continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour, ensuring that all passengers and crew travel in a respectful environment, without unnecessary disruption.

“This is now a matter for local police.”

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