NICOSIA: An easyJet flight from Israel to Britain made an emergency landing in Cyprus following trouble from a drunken passenger in mid-flight, police and witnesses said Tuesday.

Police said the plane was en route from Tel Aviv to Luton late on Monday when an Israeli began threatening the safety of people on board.

Crew members and passengers said he appeared to be drunk.

The disturbance forced the pilot to make an emergency landing at Paphos International Airport, where the man continued to be hostile even as police officers moved in to arrest him.

"A 61-year-old Israeli national was in police custody in Paphos and was being investigated on charges relating to being drunk and disorderly, causing a public nuisance, swearing in public and threatening to use violence," a police spokesperson told AFP.

"The individual will most likely be taken before the Paphos District Court where investigators will request that he be placed in remand while the investigation continues," added the spokesperson.

Police in Cyprus can hold a suspect for up to 24 hours before he is charged, released or taken before a magistrate for a remand extension.