Easyjet flight scare: Delirious passenger attempts cockpit break-in; jet diverted back to Lyon

An Easyjet flight from France to Portugal was forced to take a U-turn after a passenger suffering from delirium attempted to break into the cockpit.

The plane then returned to Lyon airport, authorities and the airline confirmed on Saturday.

The flight, travelling from Lyon to Porto, had only just taken off late on Friday when the passenger tried to push into the cockpit, AFP reported. He was quickly subdued by fellow travellers and restrained until the aircraft was safely back on the ground, French police was quoted as saying.

In a statement, the airline said, "Flight EJU4429 from Lyon to Porto returned back to Lyon shortly after take off due to (the) behaviour of a passenger onboard. The flight was met by police on arrival and once the passenger was removed by police, the flight continued onto Porto."

The passenger, identified as a 26-year-old Portuguese national, underwent medical checks which showed he was suffering from airsickness and delirium.

He was later admitted to a French hospital, the police added.