TUI Flight Diverted to Maine, Passengers Stranded 17 Hours After Onboard Smoking

A TUI Airways flight from Cancun to London Gatwick was diverted to Bangor International Airport in Maine after two passengers were caught smoking in the plane's restrooms, forcing an emergency landing. Despite the smokers being removed, passengers were stranded on the plane for several hours, with the original crew unable to continue due to exceeding their legal working hours. Passengers were then confined to a terminal area, reportedly within a military section of the airport, where they waited for over 15 hours for a relief crew and flight to be arranged. The relief flight departed the following day, safely returning all passengers to the UK. The airline confirmed the diversion was due to safety concerns linked to disruptive behavior onboard and noted that U.S. immigration rules prevented passengers from leaving the terminal during the wait. Passengers described the situation as chaotic, with some likening the conditions to a 'warzone' due to the prolonged delay and accommodations.