Auckland (The NZ Today)
A disruptive passenger on an American Airlines flight was restrained with flexible handcuffs and duct tape after an alleged mid-air confrontation forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Maryland.
The incident happened on American Airlines Flight 618, which was travelling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark when the crew reported a passenger disturbance, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Passengers said the man, who was sitting in the first-class section, became increasingly aggressive during the flight.
Passenger Richard Olenick told CNN that the man began acting belligerently, used offensive language and allegedly became physical with nearby passengers.
Olenick and fellow passenger Juan Mejia, a retired New Jersey police officer, said they stepped in after the situation escalated.
They alleged the passenger struck another traveller and also hit a woman who attempted to intervene.
A flight attendant provided a zip tie, which was used to restrain the man’s wrists. However, passengers said he continued resisting and attempted to bite them.
Mejia and Olenick said duct tape was then used to further restrict his movement, following advice to ensure it was not placed over the passenger’s mouth so he could breathe properly.
For around 15 minutes before the aircraft landed, Olenick remained seated on the restrained passenger’s lap to help prevent further movement, saying the man became agitated again whenever he tried to move away.
The flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where Maryland Transportation Authority Police met the aircraft.
The FBI confirmed one passenger was arrested on state charges, although authorities have not released the person’s identity.
After the passenger was removed, the aircraft continued its journey to Newark.
American Airlines said the safety of passengers and crew was its top priority and thanked staff and travellers who assisted during the incident.
The FAA said it has recorded more than 1,160 unruly passenger incidents this year, with authorities able to pursue significant penalties against passengers who assault, threaten or interfere with airline crew.
Duct tape and restraint devices are carried on many commercial aircraft for situations involving violent or disruptive passengers.
Source: CNN, FAA, American Airlines statement.
