Chaos at Leipzig Airport: Drunk passengers cause flight cancellations!

Chaos at Leipzig Airport: Drunk passengers cause flight cancellations!

There were some unpleasant incidents at Leipzig Airport at the start of the holidays, which the federal police called into action. Two passengers were removed from their flights on June 26th because of excessive alcohol consumption. The first incident occurred with a 27-year-old man whose flight to Mallorca was scheduled to take off at 5:35 a.m. But the man was unresponsive and had a breath alcohol level of 1.7 per mille. After being examined by a doctor, he had to leave the airport as part of a security check, while the plane departed late at 7:22 a.m. without him. This is reported by Thuringia24.

But that wasn't all. In the afternoon, security staff kept a close eye on a 45-year-old man who was noticed at the gate for his flight to Funchal on Madeira because of his unusual behavior and the strong smell of alcohol. A check revealed a breath alcohol level of over three per mille. The pilot decided not to take the man with him, which was unpleasant but necessary for everyone involved.

Drinking alcohol before the flight

In this context, the Federal Police urgently pointed out that excessive alcohol consumption before a flight can not only lead to exclusion, but could also have financial consequences for the passengers. “Airlines can pass on the costs of aborted takeoffs to the passengers,” warned the police. This poses its own risk for many vacationers, not only that they miss their flight, but also that they have to bear possible take-off delays or additional measures from the airline. During the holiday season, when people take off in droves, one should be aware of such consequences, MDR also emphasizes.

But what actually happens to your body when you consume alcohol on a plane? A study by the German Aerospace Center has shown that moderate amounts of alcohol can reduce oxygen levels in the blood. While the oxygen level in healthy adults is between 95 and 99 percent in normal conditions, this drops to just over 85 percent when alcohol is consumed on a plane. This hypoxemia can be dangerous, especially for the elderly or those with heart or lung disease, who should exercise special caution.

Less restful sleep

Interestingly, the study also found that alcoholic test subjects were found to have poorer sleep quality on planes. They experienced less deep sleep and shortened REM periods. Here, too, it is clear that drinking alcohol at heights not only endangers physical safety, but can also impair the well-being of holidaymakers, as the ADAC notes.

Overall, travelers should take the issue of alcohol seriously when traveling by air and, ideally, avoid drinking socially before the flight. A good knack for enjoying alcoholic drinks can end up being the best decision for a relaxed start to your holiday.