An allegedly disruptive passenger was duct-taped to his seat after a confrontation on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark forced the aircraft to make an unscheduled landing in Baltimore late Thursday.
The incident reportedly escalated about two hours into the flight when the passenger allegedly began yelling and attacked the man seated next to him by grabbing his neck.
Passengers step in as situation turns violent
Two passengers intervened to restrain the man, including retired law enforcement officer Juan Mejia, according to witnesses who spoke to CBS News.
With assistance from a flight attendant, the passengers reportedly used zip ties and duct tape to secure the disruptive passenger to his seat.
A photograph shared by another passenger showed the man with multiple loops of tape around his wrists, torso and head.
Passenger allegedly directed slurs at crew member
Witnesses also alleged that the passenger directed a racial slur and homophobic remarks at a flight attendant when she tried to calm him down.
The situation reportedly became increasingly violent, prompting the flight crew and passengers to restrain him for the remainder of the journey to Baltimore.
The aircraft was diverted to Baltimore, where law enforcement officers reportedly removed the passenger from the plane.
Flight continues to Newark after diversion
Following the passenger’s removal, the American Airlines flight continued its journey to Newark.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by airline crews and passengers when disruptive behaviour escalates into an alleged physical confrontation during a flight, leaving crew members and fellow travellers to intervene until authorities can take over.