Pilot called police after drunk passengers became abusive on flight to Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Michal Sopanski and Tomasz Sobieraj, of Newark, Nottinghamshire, were on board a plane heading to the airport on Tuesday, January 14, when they caused the disturbance.

The pilot asked for police to deal with the pair, who had become abusive, and they were arrested once the plane had landed safely and officers were able to come on board.

Sopanski and Sobieraj appeared at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 11, and they both admitted being drunk on board an aircraft.

Sopanski, 26, was ordered to pay £440 including court costs, and Tomasz Sobieraj, 30, was told to pay £445 including costs.

Police said the prosecutions demonstrated how drunken behaviour on flights would not be tolerated.

Airport Police Commander Chief Inspector Lee Dowswell said: “The vast majority of passengers flying in and out of Doncaster Sheffield Airport behave in a respectful and responsible manner.

“However, the drunken behaviour displayed by these two men is unacceptable. It can have a detrimental effect on aircraft safety, passengers and crew, which we feel is reflected in the sentencing.

“We hope this sends a clear message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated, and that South Yorkshire Police will act swiftly to deal with anyone found to be drunk on board an aircraft.

“We work closely with Doncaster Sheffield Airport to promote and maintain a safe travel environment for the many thousands of passengers who use the airport.”