A MAN was hauled off a Ryanair flight and arrested by cops after landing in Edinburgh in front of shocked passengers.
Police stormed the aircraft after it landed in the Scottish capital in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Flight FR5594 was meant to take off from Lanzaroteairport at around 8.05pm, but was delayed by over an hour.
It eventually left at 9.45pm, meaning it arrived at Edinburgh airport an hour late at 1.30am.
Once it touched down, officers came onboard the plane and arrested a 43-year-old man.
Ryanair bosses said cabin crew discovered that the passenger was smoking while the plane was in mid-air.
As a result, they called the police ahead of their arrival.
However, it is understood that no evidence of this was discovered and the man was arrested on an unrelated matter.
Police have confirmed that the man was lifted in connection with an outstanding warrant.
Officers have launched a probe into the incident and have said that enquiries are ongoing.
And Ryanair bosses have said it is now a matter for Police Scotland.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 43-year-old man was arrested in connection with an outstanding warrant at Edinburgh Airport on Thursday, 31 July, 2024.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
A Ryanair spokesperson said: “The crew of this flight from Lanzarote to Edinburgh (30 July) called ahead for police assistance after a passenger was found smoking onboard.
“The aircraft was met by local police upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport and this passenger was removed.
“This is now a matter for local police.”