A passenger on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was restrained with duct tape after an escalating disturbance forced the aircraft to divert to Baltimore, according to passengers who witnessed the incident.
American Airlines Flight 618 was traveling to Newark on Thursday night when the passenger became increasingly disruptive and was involved in a physical confrontation with another man, witnesses said. Flight attendants and several passengers eventually restrained him in the last row of first class.
One passenger, Michelle Ng-Reyes, said the man was moving violently and appeared to be injured during the struggle. She also said the passenger was slurring his speech, leading some people aboard the plane to believe he may have been intoxicated.
An air marshal seated nearby also helped restrain the passenger, according to Ng-Reyes.
Witnesses further alleged that the passenger directed racial slurs toward the man involved in the confrontation, who appeared to be Middle Eastern. Ng-Reyes also said the passenger appeared to direct his behavior toward three Black flight attendants.
The situation raised concerns among those aboard the aircraft, particularly as the passenger continued to act violently. Witnesses said there were fears he could attempt to move toward the cockpit, prompting the crew and others to keep him restrained.
The flight was diverted to Baltimore, turning what was expected to be a roughly three-and-a-half-hour trip into an approximately eight-hour journey before the aircraft eventually reached Newark.
The passenger initially refused to leave the plane after it arrived and had to be removed with assistance, according to a passenger who spoke about the incident.
American Airlines said law enforcement met the aircraft in Baltimore and assisted with removing the customer before the flight continued to Newark. The airline said the safety and security of its customers and employees remains its top priority and that it does not tolerate violence.
The passenger’s identity has not been released. Authorities have not announced what charges he may face.
The FBI is investigating the incident to determine whether federal charges should be pursued. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details could emerge as authorities review what happened aboard the flight.
