Disruptive passengers on an American Airlines flight were restrained with tape, and the plane diverted to Baltimore

USA A passenger was controlled by the flight crew and taped to his seat with tape after causing a disturbance, causing the flight from Dallas to Newark to be diverted and make an emergency landing.

The incident happened about two hours after the American Airlines plane took off from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, on the evening of August 28. Former officer Juan Mejia, a passenger on the flight, said the situation became chaotic when a man showing signs of intoxication screamed and shouted at the person sitting next to him.

A flight attendant tried to calm him down but was scorned by this passenger. After the man committed violent acts, the flight crew and some passengers controlled him and used tape to wrap the seats. The incident caused the plane to divert to Baltimore, Maryland, to ensure the safety of those on the flight.

"The safety of customers and crew is always the top priority. We do not tolerate violent behavior," said an American Airlines representative. After authorities removed this person from the plane in Baltimore, the flight continued to Newark.

The FBI said this passenger was detained for investigation, his identity has not been released. This is not the first time passengers on American Airlines flights have been restrained with tape.

In November 2024, a passenger on a flight from Milwaukee to Dallas was accused of trying to open the plane door while at an altitude of about 10,000 m. When this person became agitated and rushed towards the door, several passengers helped the flight crew use duct tape to control him.

In February of the same year, another passenger on a flight from Albuquerque to Chicago was also restrained with tape for trying to open the emergency exit about 20 minutes after takeoff. The plane then had to return to Albuquerque.

According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), incidents of disruptive passengers have increased sharply over the past decade. 2024 recorded an average of one incident per 395 flights, an increase of more than 3.6 times compared to the rate of 1 in 1,434 in 2016. Common behaviors included failure to comply with flight crew instructions, insults and physical violence.

The cause of this situation is determined by the cramped cabin space causing stress, excessive alcohol use and the imitation effect from social networks when many people want to perform shocking jokes to attract attention. To increase deterrence, airlines are applying strict penalties such as flight bans, administrative and criminal sanctions depending on each specific case.