A passenger was involved in a confrontation with a flight attendant, on Monday, on a TAP flight which took off from Porto and was bound for Rio de Janeiro, after being caught smoking in the bathroom and ending up with him being immobilised and tied down by crew and passengers.

According to Brazilian media, the man became violent after his passport was seized by a crew member and was held back by two other passengers who witnessed the incident.

In videos shared on social networks it is possible to hear the passenger insulting the crew.

TAP told CNN Portugal that “crimes committed on board by passengers are reported to the competent authorities” and the perpetrators are handed over to the authorities upon arrival at the airport.

“Flight safety is the top priority for TAP and our crews are trained to carry out the necessary and appropriate actions, always in compliance with applicable procedures, regulations and laws, to ensure that all passengers comply with the rules of conduct and security."