A praying TUI passenger tried to open the door mid-flight but was accosted by holidaymakers

The flight from Paphos to Manchester had already been delayed for several hours due to staffing issues, before holidaymakers feared for their lives The Boeing B767 wide-body passenger plane arrives from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and is destined for a charter flight to Bardufoss in Norway with flight number OR9531 (

Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

TUI holidaymakers feared for their lives after an 'intoxicated passenger' was heard making threats, before trying to open the emergency exit mid-flight.

>

Staffing issues meant the flight from Paphos to Manchester had already been delayed for several hours, but was forced to divert to Zagreb in Croatia because of a 'disruptive passenger'.

Passengers recalled seeing the man openly taking a cocaine-like substance and praying on the floor, before threats were made against other holidaymakers and cabin crew, reports Manchester Evening News.

Screams were reportedly heard throughout the plane, following claims the man attempted to open the emergency exit - but was then held back by other passengers.< /p>

After the plane was diverted to Zagreb airport in the early hours of August 16, holidaymakers claimed they were stranded for hours.

TUI holidaymakers say they fear for their lives after claiming an 'intoxicated passenger' was heard making threats before attempting to open the emergency exit mid-flight (

Picture:

James Rawcliffe/MEN MEDIA)

Another flight was due to bring passengers back to Manchester Airport in the evening, with TUI confirming that the disruptive passenger would not be allowed to board again.

A passenger, named Kirsty, was sitting with her husband and two children when the chaos unfolded. She described the shocking incident as "the scariest experience of my life".

His p...