An American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore after a passenger allegedly went on a violent outburst midair, leading fellow travelers to restrain him to his seat with duct tape and zip ties.
American Airlines Flight 618 was traveling to Newark, New Jersey, on September 3 when the disruption reportedly erupted about two hours into the journey. The unidentified man allegedly began yelling at a male passenger seated next to him, with witnesses describing a situation that quickly turned violent.
According to TMZ, the passenger was screaming about Jesus and going to hell before a flight attendant approached him and tried to calm him down. The man allegedly responded by directing a racial slur at the Black flight attendant and making anti-gay remarks.
The confrontation then reportedly became physical. The man allegedly hit the passenger sitting beside him and continued the attack when a female traveler attempted to intervene. He reportedly pushed her, prompting three other male passengers to step in and help restrain him.
Retired law enforcement officer Juan Mejia, who was among those who intervened, described the sudden escalation to CBS Texas.
“Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos,” Mejia said. He recalled turning around and seeing the passenger with his hands around the other man’s neck, allegedly assaulting him.
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The flight attendants eventually handed duct tape and zip ties to the three men, who used them to restrain the passenger to his seat. Video footage from the flight reportedly shows the man struggling as passengers and crew members worked to keep him under control. Photos showed him secured to the seat with duct tape and zip ties, including restraints around his head.
The incident forced the aircraft to make an unexpected landing in Baltimore late Thursday night. American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, American Airlines said Flight 618 was diverted to Baltimore because of a “disruptive customer.” The airline said law enforcement officers were waiting when the aircraft arrived and assisted in removing the passenger before the flight continued to Newark.
“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence,” the airline said, while thanking its employees for their professionalism and passengers for their understanding.
The FBI said the Maryland Transportation Police arrested and booked the man on state charges. The agency was also conducting interviews and was expected to consult with federal prosecutors regarding any potential federal charges, according to Fox News.
The passenger’s identity and the specific state charges he faces were not immediately disclosed.
The incident reflect the challenges airline crews and passengers can face when an onboard disturbance suddenly turns into a physical confrontation. What began as an alleged verbal outburst left an entire flight diverted and required multiple passengers to intervene until law enforcement could take the man into custody.