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British boxer’s brother helps restrain passenger on flight to Saudi Arabia
A passenger suffering from a panic attack tried to prise open the door of a British Airways’ flight from Heathrow about an hour before it was due to land in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
Another passenger tried to intervene after he spotted the man trying to pull the lever on the door at the back of the plane while screaming that he wanted to get out.
The brother of boxer Dillian Whyte and several members of the fighter’s entourage were also on the plane and rushed to help. Dean Whyte (left), who was flying to Saudi to support his brother who is fighting on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua heavyweight title match in Saudi on Saturday night, helped to restrain the passenger.
Around half a dozen air stewards, one carrying handcuffs, managed to calm the passenger, who was eventually taken back to his seat.
Joshua’s mother Yeta Odusanya was also on the plane, along with several members of staff for Matchroom Sport, who are promoting the fight, said the Guardian.
A British Airways’ spokesperson told the newspaper: "Our cabin crew cared for a customer who suffered from a panic attack during the flight. We are sorry for any concern this caused our customers."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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