A mass brawl between passengers in the departure lounge of Luton Airport has seen eleven people charged while three were hospitalized.

In a phone recording of the fight seen on the internet, two groups could be seen throwing punches and kicks at one another, as others tried to intervene. Others involved in the 8am fight clambered over chairs to join the struggle, as passengers scrambled to get out of the danger zone. 

The Met Police initially arrested 17 people in connection with the fight. They have since charged 11 of those people with violent disorder and they have been released on bail until a future court hearing.

Witnesses could be heard shouting and clapping at the men, while one woman pleaded with them to ‘stop it’. A group of men were also seen surrounding a person on the floor, while one individual appeared to try in vain to pick up a bin and use it as a weapon.

An onlooker said the brawl erupted after a man threw a bottle at another who was insulting a woman he was travelling with. A total of four people were injured, with three of them being hospitalised. 

An airport spokesman said: ‘We are shocked and saddened by this isolated incident.  We take a zero tolerance approach to violence and continue to assist the police with their enquiries. We would like to sincerely apologise to any passengers affected.’

Bedfordshire Police are investigating the incident. A spokesman said: ‘Police were made aware of a violent disorder at London Luton Airport on Friday (14 May) at 8am.

‘Four people were injured, and three were taken to hospital with serious injuries. ‘Subsequently, 17 people were arrested and were taken to police custody for questioning.

‘Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or report online via , quoting reference 52 of 14 May.’