American Airlines Flight 618 from Dallas Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Thursday after a disruptive passenger was restrained by fellow travellers and crew using duct tape and zip ties. Law enforcement met the aircraft on arrival, and the flight continued after the man was removed.
The incident drew attention from the Federal Aviation Administration, Maryland Transportation Authority Police and FBI investigators. Available reporting indicates the passenger became belligerent during the flight before the crew requested assistance, triggering the unscheduled stop in Baltimore. The diversion disrupted the service between two major US hubs and added another high-profile example of the operational impact caused by unruly behaviour onboard.
Authorities had not resolved the charging position in the available reporting, although investigators were expected to determine whether federal charges were warranted. American Airlines confirmed that law enforcement assisted with deplaning the disruptive customer before the aircraft resumed its journey.