MANCHESTER — Greater Manchester Police are investigating the death of a man in his 30s who became critically ill after being restrained on a Jet2 flight from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Manchester, U.K. The flight, identified as LS966, landed in the early hours of Monday morning, and the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Greater Manchester Police received a call at approximately 2:25 a.m. regarding an assault that had taken place on the flight. A GMP spokesperson said: "At around 2.25am we were called to reports of an assault that had taken place on a flight from Larnaca, Cyprus." The spokesperson added: "Officers attended and located a man who had been restrained." Police officers administered CPR to the man before removing him from the plane. The spokesperson stated: "The man – in his 30s – was taken to hospital due to his condition." The man subsequently died after being transported to a hospital.

The investigation involves reports that the man was aggressive and disruptive toward passengers and crew members during the flight. A GMP spokesperson said: "An investigation is under way after a man became critically ill following reports that the same individual had been aggressive and disruptive towards a passenger and crew members on a flight heading into Manchester airport." Jet2 confirmed that flight LS966 requested a priority landing due to a disruptive passenger incident and that a passenger was taken to a hospital. The flight departed Larnaca late on Sunday and arrived in Manchester on Monday.

Why It Matters

The referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct signifies that the man's death occurred following contact with police officers. The IOPC investigates serious complaints and allegations against police in England and Wales to ensure accountability and maintain public confidence in the police force.

Disruptive passenger incidents on flights can lead to safety concerns and operational delays for airlines. A pilot requesting a priority landing indicates the severity of the situation during the flight, necessitating immediate intervention upon arrival.