Woman 'threw prosthetic leg at Thomson Airways cabin crew'

An Edinburgh-bound plane had to be diverted to Gatwick Airport after a woman allegedly became abusive and threw her prosthetic leg at cabin crew.

Sussex police said the 48-year-old from Edinburgh began "swearing blue murder" and throwing food at staff on a Thomson Airways flight.

The captain then diverted the plane, which was flying from Tunisia.

The woman was arrested by police at the North Terminal on Wednesday night

She was taken to Crawley police station where she was questioned by officers on suspicion of threatening behaviour.

'Swearing blue murder'

In a statement, Sussex Police said: "At 10.22pm on Wednesday a 48-year-old unemployed woman from Edinburgh was arrested at the North Terminal, Gatwick Airport, on suspicion of using threatening behaviour while aboard Thompson flight 297 from Tunisia to Edinburgh.

"The flight was diverted into Gatwick after it was alleged the woman had been abusive and had thrown a prosthetic leg and food at cabin crew."

A spokesman added: "She was swearing blue murder, saying she was going to do this and that and the other, so the flight was diverted to Gatwick."

In a statement, Thomson Airways said: "Thomson Airways would like to apologise to passengers for the diversion into Gatwick airport of flight TOM 297 travelling from Enfidha, Tunisia, to Edinburgh on 30 July.

"Unfortunately a passenger became disruptive on board and as a last resort the captain decided to divert the flight to Gatwick.

"Upon landing, the aircraft was met by local police and the passenger was removed for questioning.

"We would like to reassure customers that their safety is our priority at all times.

"Thomson Airways operates a zero-tolerance policy with regards to any disruptive behaviour on board, and incidents of this type are extremely rare."

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Thomson Airways crew given iPads to take customer service 'to next level'

Cabin crew on Thomson Airways are being provided with iPads in a trial this summer to help improve customer service. The mobile devices will give crew flying from Luton airport access to information about the destination passengers are flying to and make recommendations about excursions, restaurants and places to shop. The iPads will also enable Tui UK & Ireland to connect its cabin crew with overseas holiday advisors, passing on relevant information about the customers soon to arrive in resort.

If a family mentions a concern over a food allergy, the crew member can log this on their iPad, which will transmit to the resort advisor as soon as the aircraft lands and the device connects to data or Wi-Fi. The holiday advisor can then speak to the holidaymaker as soon as they arrive in resort, already armed with recommendations on where to eat. Thomson Airways plans to expand the use of iPads across all UK airport bases next year.

The airline's customer service director, Carl Gissing, said: “This programme will really help us take our customer service to the next level as cabin crew will be able to make recommendations to customers about what to see and do in resort, and even suggest a quiet spot to enjoy a sunset.

"It will also allow us to recognise loyal and returning customers, which we know they will appreciate. This programme is just one of many ways in which we as a business are focusing on innovation and we can’t wait for all our customers travelling from Luton this summer to experience the benefits it offers.”

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