What began as a routine flight from Cancun to London turned into a 17-hour ordeal for passengers after two individuals repeatedly ignored warnings to stop smoking in the plane’s lavatory. The disruptive behavior forced the pilot to divert the TUI Airways flight and make an unscheduled landing in Bangor, Maine—a decision that led to a chaotic and uncomfortable overnight stay for everyone on board.
According to Terry Lawrance, a passenger from the UK, the drama began about an hour into the flight when the captain came over the intercom to warn that two passengers were smoking in the restroom and refusing to come out. He cautioned that if they didn’t comply, he would divert the plane. Despite the warning, the situation escalated, and three hours later, after crossing into Canadian airspace, the pilot announced that the flight would be rerouted to Bangor.
The plane touched down at Bangor International Airport around 9:30 p.m. The intoxicated couple responsible for the disruption was escorted off the aircraft, and passengers were initially told the delay would be brief—just long enough to complete the necessary paperwork. However, they remained on the tarmac for five more hours.
Just as hope seemed near and the plane began to taxi, the crew announced yet another setback: due to flight time regulations, they were no longer legally allowed to continue the journey. The passengers were then instructed to disembark at what appeared to be a military base.
“It looked like a warzone in there,” Lawrance described. “Rows and rows of beds, people lying side by side like vultures in a free-for-all.” With limited space and no clear information, the stranded travelers waited in cramped conditions—some reportedly going six to seven hours before being offered a drink.
Eventually, a replacement aircraft was dispatched from London and arrived the following day. The delayed flight finally departed Maine at 3 p.m.—a staggering 17.5 hours after it had landed.
Passengers expressed anger and disbelief at the uncomfortable and drawn-out experience, all triggered by two individuals who refused to follow basic safety rules.
