Six British men on a stag weekend face potentially big fines in Germany after their allegedly rowdy behaviour on a Ryanair flight from London to Bratislava prompted the pilot to make an unscheduled landing in Berlin to throw them off the plane.

The passengers removed from the flight, including the soon-to-be groom, were said by German police to be aged between 25 and 28 and from Southampton. They were among a group of 12, the other six of whom were allowed to stay on the plane.

In a statement, German federal police said the Britons were rowdy, compromised safety and refused to obey the crew’s instructions. The German newspaper Bild said the men became aggressive when they were refused more alcohol. Another report said one of the men undressed.

The pilot of the Friday evening flight carrying 170 passengers decided at about 8.30pm local time to make an unscheduled landing at Berlin Schönefeld airport, the police statement said.

Those ejected could face fines of up to €25,000 (£19,700) each under aviation security laws, as well as potential moves by the airline to recover the extra costs of the unscheduled landing.

A police spokesman told the Guardian that under German law the men would not be identified. “All six male suspects are from the city of Southampton,” he said. “All persons were allowed to leave our police station after we finished the police measures.”

A Ryanair spokesman said: “This flight from London Luton to Bratislava diverted to Berlin after a number of passengers became disruptive in flight. The aircraft landed normally and police removed and detained these individuals at Berlin Schönefeld airport.



“We will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time and the safety and comfort of our customers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority. This is now a matter for local police.”