Sarah Parker – Halifax

Drunk passenger pulled down her underwear in plane aisle during take-off, forcing £20,000 flight diversion

A 30-year-old woman caused chaos on a TUI flight after pulling down her shorts and underwear in front of horrified passengers while the aircraft was taking off, a court has heard.

Sarah Parker, from Halifax, was travelling from Birmingham Airport to Melbourne, Florida, on July 24, 2025, when she decided she needed to use the toilet.

Despite the aircraft being in the middle of take-off and passengers being instructed to remain seated, Parker got out of her seat.

The court heard that she then pulled down her shorts and underwear in the aisle, exposing herself in front of fellow passengers.

Her behaviour caused such disruption that the flight was diverted to Manchester Airport, reportedly costing TUI approximately £20,000.

Parker subsequently admitted being drunk on an aircraft and failing to comply with the pilot’s instructions.

She also pleaded guilty to outraging public decency in connection with the incident.

The case is due to return to Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on December 1, when Parker will be sentenced.

Parker has admitted the offences but has not yet been sentenced.