According to ITV, a representative of the airline revealed that the Babyshambles lead singer was detained aboard the flight to Barcelona after a syringe was found in the aeroplane toilet.
Doherty has since been released by Spanish police without charges.
The captain of the EasyJet flight from Gatwick radioed ahead to ask police to meet the flight at Barcelona’s El Prat airport.
Doherty and members of his band Babyshambles were travelling in a seven-strong party and are due to perform at the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona.