Sunita Somvanshi
Qatar Airways flight QR329, flying from Hamad International Airport in Doha, was met by security and police upon landing at London Gatwick on the morning of 17 September, according to aviation tracking platform AirLive.
AirLive reported that the crew of the Boeing 787-9 aircraft requested airport security and police attendance while the flight was still airborne over Switzerland at approximately 04:29 UTC, citing a disruptive passenger on board. The aircraft landed at Gatwick’s North Terminal at around 06:30 local time — approximately 10 minutes ahead of its scheduled arrival.
No official statement from Qatar Airways, Gatwick Airport, or Sussex Police had been published in the reporting available at the time of writing. AirLive did not confirm whether an arrest was made or whether any injury occurred. No wider airport disruption was identified in the sources checked.
Travellers with onward connections from Gatwick should check live departure boards for any impact on their services.
This story will be updated when an official statement from Qatar Airways, Gatwick Airport, or Sussex Police is available.
The incident occurred as Qatar Airways continued to expand its European route network amid growing scrutiny of in-flight security protocols. Aviation experts say the disruption highlights the need for better passenger screening and communication between airlines and airport authorities.
Passengers on board QR329 reported confusion and delays as police boarded the aircraft and removed the individual. The flight was eventually cleared to depart several hours later than scheduled.
Qatar Airways has not yet issued a public statement on the incident. The airline operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft serving destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Travelers flying through Gatwick are advised to check with their airline for updates before heading to the airport. Security measures at UK airports have been tightened in recent years following a series of disruptive incidents.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest and said the individual was held under Section 4 of the Aviation Security Act. No other passengers were injured during the incident.
