Chaos in the Air as Violent Passenger Is Restrained, Duct-Taped to Seat on American Airlines Flight

An American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore after a passenger allegedly became violent and had to be restrained during the journey.

The incident happened about two hours into the flight on Thursday night, with passengers describing a sudden escalation that plunged the cabin into chaos.

Juan Mejia, a retired law enforcement officer who was aboard the aircraft, said the situation changed without warning.

“Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos,” Mejia said.

He said he turned around after hearing the commotion and saw the passenger allegedly attacking the man seated next to him.

“I turned around to look, and the poor gentleman that was sitting next to him in the aisle seat, the individual had his hands around his neck and was, like, assaulting him,” he said.

Mejia and another passenger, Richard Olenick, who were sitting two rows ahead, intervened and helped restrain the man.

According to the witnesses, a flight attendant supplied zip ties, which were used to restrain the passenger. Duct tape was subsequently used to secure him to his seat.

A photograph shared by Olenick showed the passenger with several layers of duct tape around his wrists, torso and head.

The witnesses also alleged that the passenger verbally abused a flight attendant before the physical confrontation, including using a racial slur and making homophobic remarks.

The disruption prompted the pilots to divert the aircraft to Baltimore, where law enforcement officers boarded the plane and took the passenger into custody.

Once the passenger had been removed, the flight resumed its journey to Newark.

American Airlines said the safety of its passengers and crew remained its highest priority.

“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence,” the airline said.

“We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”

The FBI confirmed that the passenger was in custody on state charges while federal authorities investigate the incident.

“The FBI is currently conducting interviews to gather the facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine if federal charges will be filed,” the agency said.

The passenger’s identity had not been released by authorities at the time of reporting.