A PASSENGER managed to open the door of a plane he was on shortly after it landed at Leeds Bradford Airport.

The man opened the plane door after forcing himself past cabin crew on a flight from Girona, Costa Brava, which had landed safely at the Yeadon airport.

Police confirmed officers were called to the airport after a man suffered a “medical episode”.

The incident took place before the airport handling agent staff had the chance to attach the stairs to the plane, which were required to take passengers safely off the aircraft.

The man was detained on the tarmac. Police and medical staff were also called to the scene.

It happened just before 7.20am on Saturday, June 25 after the Ryanair flight landed at LBA and the airline confirmed the details of the incident.

The Irish-based airline said the matter remains under investigation.

A Ryanair spokesman said: “This flight from Girona to Leeds (June 25) landed safely and while crew were waiting for the airport handling agents to attach the stairs required to disembark passengers, an individual passenger became disruptive and physically forced himself past cabin crew and opened the aircraft door.

“The passenger was quickly detained on the tarmac by ground staff from Leeds Bradford Airport and police and medical assistance were called.

“This matter remains under investigation.”

Leeds Bradford Airport also confirmed an incident had taken place last Saturday at the site and said the safety of all passengers was ensured by its staff by adhering to its protocols.

A Leeds Bradford Airport spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident that occurred on Saturday, June 25.

“LBA staff worked with airline partners to ensure the safety of all passengers as per our protocols.”

In a statement, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson added: “Police were called to Leeds Bradford Airport at about 7.31am on Saturday June 25 regarding concern for the safety of a man who had been on aircraft and suffered a medical episode.

“The man was taken to hospital for assessment and treatment to possible leg injuries.

“No offences were disclosed.”

Girona is one of 23 destinations Ryanair flies to from Leeds Bradford Airport, which also includes Zadar in Croatia, Riga in Latvia and Faro in Portugal, for a total of 95 weekly flights from the site.

The low-cost airline increased its commitment to Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) with an extra aircraft and new routes this summer.

Ryainr confirmed one additional based aircraft, which is a $100m investment.

The budget airline's LBA-based fleet will increase to three aircraft, an overall investment of more than $300m, supporting 90 highly paid aviation jobs and 900 indirect jobs at the site.