Police boarded an easyJet plane at Edinburgh Airport in a row over smoking.
A fracas erupted on the flight to Hamburg after two men were reported for having a cigarette on the runway.
It was alleged that the pair, thought to be part of a stag party, became abusive and refused to put out their cigarettes when told to by staff.
Four police officers went on to the plane just before it was due to take off at 3pm on Thursday.
One Tayside passenger said police had asked members of the group to identify the smokers, but they insisted the offence didn’t happen.
“There was a really nasty atmosphere,” said the passenger, who declined to be named. “There was a lot of hostility towards the police. People were shouting down the plane at them, calling them bullies.”
A man with a blonde wig, thought to be the stag of the group, was seen speaking with police.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police at Edinburgh Airport were made aware of concerns that two passengers were smoking in the air bridge as they headed to board a commercial flight.
“Officers attended and spoke to a group of men regarding their conduct. In consultation with cabin crew, the group were permitted to travel following advice.”
She added: “No one was removed from the aircraft on this occasion and the flight was slightly delayed as a result.”
A spokeswoman for easyJet said: “We had a report that a passenger was seen smoking on his way on to the plane.
“Police were called to investigate and spoke with the passengers. No one was removed and the flight was able to go ahead.”
An Edinburgh Airport spokesman confirmed that an incident had taken place, but referred enquiries to police.
The plane set off about half an hour later than scheduled.
