An American Airlines flight traveling from Texas to New Jersey made an unexpected diversion late Thursday night after a passenger became severely disruptive in first class, forcing a landing in Maryland, according to officials.
Unruly Passenger Diverts Newark-Bound Flight
American Airlines Flight 618 had departed from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and was heading toward Newark Liberty International Airport when chaos erupted roughly two hours into the journey. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane landed safely at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport around 10:15 p.m. on Sept. 3.
Passengers and Crew Intervene to Restrain Disruptive Traveler
Witnesses aboard the aircraft reported that the situation escalated rapidly. Retired law enforcement officer Juan Mejia and fellow passenger Richard Olenick recounted that the environment shifted from quiet to chaotic instantly. Mejia stated that he turned around to see the individual wrapping his hands around the neck of the gentleman seated next to him in the aisle seat and assaulting him.
Witnesses noted that a flight attendant attempted to calm the situation, but the unruly passenger allegedly directed a racial slur and homophobic remarks at her before turning violent. This prompted intervention from travelers and the flight crew. Passengers used zip ties provided by a flight attendant and wrapped the man with duct tape. A photo shared by Olenick showed the individual secured to his seat with multiple loops of tape wrapped around his wrists, torso, and head. Another passenger reportedly had to sit on the man to keep him immobilized so the plane could land safely.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigations
Upon landing at BWI, police boarded the aircraft. According to a witness, the man initially refused to leave, and officers had to physically remove him from the plane.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office confirmed that it responded to the airport following the diversion. The suspect was arrested on Maryland state charges and booked by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, though authorities have not yet released his name or specific charges. Agents are actively conducting interviews to gather facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to evaluate potential federal charges.
Both the FBI and the FAA are investigating the incident. Following the removal of the passenger, the flight resumed its journey and continued onward to Newark.
Airlines and Federal Agencies Track Rising Unruly Passenger Incidents
In a statement regarding the disruption, the airline emphasized its stance on safety. The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence. We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding,
American Airlines said.
Federal regulators monitor such disruptions closely. Airlines have reported more than 1,160 unruly passenger incidents to the FAA so far in 2026. The agency holds the authority to pursue enforcement actions against individuals accused of assaulting, threatening, intimidating, or interfering with flight crews. Civil penalties can climb as high as $43,658 per violation, with single incidents occasionally resulting in multiple violations alongside separate criminal charges.
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