Two fights erupted on an easyJet plane to Alicante after passengers necked booze before it could even take off.
The pilot had to turn back twice after separate groups began rowing and police were called in to escort the troublemakers from the aircraft.
As a result the EZY1919 flight was delayed for three hours at Manchester Airport on Thursday afternoon, the Manchester Evening News reports.
A spokesman for the airline said some passengers had been drinking their own alcohol on board and prior to the flight.
The plane was forced to return back to its stand after a group caused a disturbance.
Passengers faced further disruption after the plane was stopped from taking off a second time, due to a second group.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police met the aircraft to remove all the disruptive passengers, before it eventually left for Alicante.
A spokesperson for the budget airline said: "We can confirm that the flight EZY1919 from Manchester to Alicante returned to stand on two occasions as a result of two separate groups of passengers on board behaving disruptively.
"We are aware that some passengers were drinking their own alcohol on board and prior to the flight in the terminal.
"Police met the aircraft to remove the passengers before it continued to Alicante.
"EasyJet's cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time.
"Whilst such incidents are rare, we have take them very seriously, and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour on board.
"The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is our highest priority."
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for a comment.
