Ryanair Passenger Headbutts Flight Attendant When Told To Wear Face Mask

A drunk passenger was arrested after he headbutted a Ryanair flight attendant who asked him to wear a face mask.

Daniel Hendry, 24, who had allegedly downed three-quarters of a bottle of vodka before boarding the Ryanair flight from Tenerife, Spain, to Manchester, the United Kingdom, on Jan. 29, also tried to hug a female flight attendant, Manchester Evening News reported.

The Manchester Magistrates Court heard how Hendry screamed, "F—- off! I’m going to punch you — going to smash your head in!” before striking the male flight attendant.

The captain tried calling various air traffic controllers to try and divert the flight, but all nearby airports were closed due to the pandemic, forcing him to land in Manchester 25 minutes earlier than scheduled.

On landing, Hendry was arrested. The incident was captured on camera by one of the passengers. The video shows fellow travelers applauding as Hendry was restrained and removed from the aircraft.

According to the prosecutor Janice Vallancee, Hendry refused to wear a face mask despite being repeatedly requested to do so.

"Staff also became concerned as he was quite clearly intoxicated and on the seat next to him was an open bottle of Smirnoff Vodka that was three-quarters consumed. He was moved to the back of the plane but he continued to be drunk and confirmed he had consumed three-quarters of the bottle of vodka,” Vallancee said, Manchester Evening News reported.

The court also heard how Hendry caused damage to the police van by banging his head against the door and windows. "He not only put himself but a plane full of people at risk," said the prosecutor.

According to a co-passenger, Hendry was screaming and shouting at everybody.

"Most people on the flight were old people. I wasn't next to him but those who did were quite troubled. The cabin crew came to calm him down. He tried to fight them," said passenger Brian Yim, Manchester Evening News reported.

Hendry has pleaded guilty to the charges and will appear before Minshull Street Crown Court for sentence next month.

The official statement by Ryanair said the crew of this flight from Tenerife to Manchester requested police assistance upon arrival after a passenger became disruptive in the flight.

"The aircraft landed normally, and police removed the individual at Manchester airport. This is now a matter for local police,” said the statement.