A student allegedly phoned in a bomb threat hoax on his parents’ easyJet flight to stop them from visiting him.
The flight, which was carrying 159 passengers from Lyon to Rennes in France, was forced to turn around shortly after takeoff.
A 23-year-old has been charged with “false news compromising the safety of an aircraft in flight” after allegedly making the anonymous call.
His parents were traveling on board the plane and he wanted to avoid them, prosecutors told The Independent.
The hoax call meant easyJet Flight EZY4319 was diverted and landed in Lyon on Jan. 18.
“The author of the facts has been identified,” a public prosecutor said in a statement.
“It was a 23-year-old student who did not wish that his parents, who had taken place on board this plane, join him in Rennes.”
French cops later arrested the man. The student could face five years in prison if found guilty.
A spokesperson for the airline said: “EasyJet can confirm that Flight EZY4319 from Lyon to Rennes on 18 January returned to Lyon as a result of security related issue.
“The captain took the decision as a precaution only. The aircraft landed safely and was met by the fire brigade and the police in line with procedures.”
“Passengers disembarked normally and were provided with information and refreshments.”
“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority.”