Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Passenger Restrained After Violent Outburst Diverts American Airlines Flight
An American Airlines plane was flying from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark.
About two hours into the trip, one passenger suddenly became very disruptive.
Witnesses said he allegedly attacked the person sitting next to him.
People on the plane and a flight attendant worked together to stop him.
They used zip ties and duct tape to keep him from hurting anyone.
The plane landed in Baltimore instead of flying directly to Newark.
Police took the passenger off the plane there.
The FBI investigated whether federal charges should also be filed.
An American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark diverted to Baltimore after a passenger became disruptive and allegedly violent.
Witnesses said the passenger allegedly assaulted the man seated beside him about two hours into the flight.
Passengers and crew restrained the man with zip ties and duct tape supplied by a flight attendant.
Witnesses said the passenger used a racial slur and homophobic comments before the situation escalated.
Law enforcement removed the passenger in Baltimore; he remained in custody on state charges while federal authorities investigated.
- Who
- An unidentified passenger, fellow passengers, the flight crew, American Airlines, and law enforcement were involved.
- What
- A passenger allegedly became violent during the flight and was restrained before being removed by authorities.
- When
- The incident occurred about two hours into the September 3 flight.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark and diverted to Baltimore.
- Why
- The aircraft was diverted because the passenger allegedly became violent and posed a risk to others.
- Airline
- American Airlines
- Route
- Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark
- Diversion airport
- Baltimore
- Incident timing
- About two hours into the flight
- Restraints used
- Zip ties and duct tape
- Passenger’s status
- In custody on state charges
- Federal investigation
- The FBI was interviewing witnesses and gathering information