Angry French Ryanair passengers reportedly launched a “barbaric” revolt after a flight from Rabat to Paris was delayed by several hours

The incident, during which members of staff were allegedly abused and alcohol and perfume stolen, took place on January 11, according to the French daily Metronews .

The problems began when one of the 170 passengers on board became ill, forcing the plane to divert to Madrid to seek medical assistance. By the time it took off again it was too late to land at Beauvais airport in Paris, where there are restrictions on night-time flights, so it was forced to land in Nantes. Passengers were told they would have to spend the night, after which they began to misbehave.

Metronews reported that “anything of value” was stolen, including cigarettes, food and drink, and perfume, with cabin crew effectively taken hostage.

"They pillaged the aircraft for food, drinks – especially alcoholic drinks – cigarettes and perfumes, anything of any value,” said a member of staff at Nantes. "They behaved like animals towards the plane, the crew members and members of the airport’s ground staff."

However, one passenger defended their actions. “We were tired, on edge, because the situation was badly managed, we were hungry and thirsty and no one was giving us any information,” he said. “After seven hours locked in a plane – instead of the scheduled two-and-a-half – people need to eat. We simply helped ourselves."

Police were eventually called, Metronews reports, and after a few hours in a hotel, coaches were provided by Ryanair to take the passengers to Paris.

A Ryanair spokesman, however, claimed the reports were inaccurate.

“There was no mutiny on arrival in Nantes,” he said. “Passengers were provided with overnight hotel accommodation and were transferred by coach to Paris Beauvais the following morning, in line with Ryanair’s policies and obligations.

"Ryanair apologised sincerely to all passengers affected by this delay."

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