Police called to snow-hit flight at Durham airport

The airport has suffered disruption to flights

Police were called to Durham Tees Valley Airport after passengers aboard a plane grounded by snow became "disruptive".

The flight bringing tourists back from Spain was diverted from Leeds Bradford Airport because of the weather.

But they were not allowed to disembark for two-and-a-half hours, apparently because of ice.

A 39-year-old man from Hartlepool was arrested and cautioned for using threatening behaviour on an aircraft.

Thomson Airways said passenger safety was its "number one priority".

The flight from Alicante had been due to land at Leeds-Bradford on Tuesday night, but was diverted to Newcastle, and when that closed it landed at Durham Tees Valley.

Diversions 'unavoidable'

Passengers grew angry when they were told the plane would still take off when safe and fly on to Newcastle - almost 50 miles further north.

Finally, the captain allowed holidaymakers to disembark at Durham - but only after informing police of the trouble.

The arrested man's concerns were genuine, but his behaviour was unacceptable

Durham Police

A Durham Police spokesman said: "Apparently passengers were not allowed off because the apron was sheet ice and dangerous.

"The arrested man's concerns were genuine, but his behaviour was unacceptable.

"He was interviewed and given a caution."

A Thomson spokeswoman said: "The airline intended to fly customers back to Newcastle Airport, once it had reopened, to ensure passengers could be transferred to Leeds Bradford more quickly.

"However, passengers became disruptive on board the aircraft whilst at Durham Tees Valley Airport and, in the interest of safety, the pilot decided to disembark customers at Durham.

"In accordance with the airline's standard procedures, the pilot notified the police of this disruptive behaviour.

"Coach transfers were arranged for customers from Durham Tees Valley Airport to Leeds Bradford.

"Thomson Airways would like to apologise again for any inconvenience caused by these flight diversions which became unavoidable due to the weather conditions currently being experienced in the UK."