(MILAN) A Ryanair flight from Milan was diverted after two men reportedly began ripping pages from their passports midair, with one of them seen eating passport pages and the other attempting to flush his document down a toilet at the back of the plane, according to multiple accounts from people on board. Passengers described the scene as bizarre and upsetting, with several saying they “freaked out” as the behavior escalated and cabin crew moved to manage the disruption. The identities of the men, their motives, and any legal consequences remain unclear, and no official statements had been released at the time of publication.
The incident unfolded shortly after departure from Milan, on a Ryanair flight that quickly shifted from routine to tense as the men’s actions drew attention across the cabin. Witnesses reported confusion as one man allegedly chewed torn pages, while his companion reportedly tried to destroy his passport in the lavatory. The crew and many passengers were alarmed by what they were seeing, and the airline later diverted the flight in response to the disturbance.

What we know so far
- Two men on a Ryanair flight from Milan were seen ripping pages from their passports.
- One man reportedly began chewing the torn pages, prompting concern among travelers nearby.
- The other man reportedly headed to the bathroom and attempted to flush his passport.
- The airline diverted the flight due to the unfolding disruption in the cabin.
- As of now, there are no official details about the men’s identities, reasons for their actions, or outcomes after landing.
Passengers who spoke about the episode used words like “bizarre” and “distressing.” Some were shaken by the sudden shift in mood on board, saying the cabin went from calm to anxious within minutes. Crew members dealt with the situation as it developed, while travelers weighed the very real ripple effects of a diverted plane: delays, missed connections, and uncertainty about the rest of the journey.
Why passports matter midair
A passport is more than a booklet; it is the core travel document that shows who you are and where you can enter. When people witness someone ripping or destroying a passport on a plane, it can stir fears about what might happen next.
Even without any sign of violence, such behavior can make others nervous and can disrupt the normal order in the cabin. A diversion is one of the immediate operational responses an airline may choose when the crew cannot restore calm quickly.
For official guidance on travel documents, see the European Commission’s guidance on passports and identity rules for travel within the EU and Schengen area:
– European Commission – Travel documents for EU nationals
Immediate impacts on travelers and airlines
When a Ryanair flight is diverted, travelers can face a chain reaction of issues. Common concerns include:
- Missed connections and the need to rebook
- Hotel and meal arrangements if stuck overnight
- Work, school, or family commitments thrown off schedule
- Visa or entry-permit complications if the diversion lands them in an unexpected country
Airlines must make quick decisions when the cabin environment becomes unstable. A diversion is often chosen to protect passengers and crew and to address the individuals involved once the aircraft is on the ground.
There are no official details available about:
– Police involvement or charges
– Where the plane landed
– How long passengers were delayed
– Whether anyone required medical attention or further checks
Until the airline or local authorities provide verified updates, these points remain unknown.
What passengers can do after a diversion
If you find yourself on a diverted flight, helpful steps include:
- Keep boarding passes and any receipts for extra costs.
- Ask the airline about rebooking, meal vouchers, or hotel accommodations.
- Contact your country’s embassy or consulate if your travel document is lost, damaged, or destroyed.
VisaVerge.com notes that travelers often look for step-by-step guidance after unusual flight events, especially when the situation involves passports or identity papers. Typically, passengers contact the airline first for rebooking, then their consulate or embassy for urgent document assistance.
Context and takeaway
The eyewitness reports in this case stand out because they describe a disturbing trigger: the alleged tearing, chewing, and attempted disposal of passports midair. In an era when travel disruptions spread quickly via social media and news outlets, such incidents raise awareness and many unanswered questions.
Key confirmed points:
– Two men engaged in alarming behavior involving their passports.
– The cabin became tense and the airline diverted the flight.
– Officials have not released names, motives, or next steps.
For those planning to travel soon, keep your travel documents safe and intact. If a passport is lost or damaged, an embassy or consulate can advise on temporary papers or next steps to continue travel. Resources like VisaVerge.com publish clear explainers to help travelers prepare for document problems on the road.
This case from Milan is a reminder that the cabin is a shared space, and unusual actions—such as eating passport pages or trying to flush a passport—can be disruptive enough to prompt a diversion. While motives remain unknown, the human impact is clear: a plane off course, anxious passengers, and a long day made longer.
This Article in a Nutshell
A Ryanair flight from Milan was diverted after two men reportedly destroyed passport pages midflight. One passenger allegedly chewed torn pages while the other attempted to flush his passport in the aircraft lavatory, creating alarm among travelers and prompting cabin crew intervention. The airline chose to divert the plane to ensure safety and address the situation on the ground. No official statements have confirmed the men’s identities, motives, whether police were involved, or where the aircraft landed. Passengers experienced delays and potential missed connections; officials and the airline are expected to provide further updates.