Singapore Airlines flight SQ31 returned to San Francisco after an unruly passenger injured himself during the transpacific service to Singapore. The Airbus A350-900, registered 9V-SJC, landed at San Francisco International Airport after almost nine hours in the air, forcing the airline to arrange a replacement operation and delaying passengers’ arrival in Singapore by about 12 hours.
The aircraft departed on Wednesday and had travelled well over the North Pacific when the pilots decided to turn back. Singapore Airlines reported that the passenger was handed over to local authorities after landing. The carrier did not disclose his identity, medical condition, motive or whether charges had been filed.
Eyewitness accounts alleged that the man screamed, kicked seats and attempted to reach an emergency exit, although those details were not independently confirmed and were not provided by the airline. The long overwater route offered few practical diversion options, leaving San Francisco as the selected destination once the crew determined that returning was appropriate.
After a crew change, the aircraft departed again late that evening under flight number SQ9031. The replacement service reached Singapore roughly 12 hours behind schedule. Singapore Airlines apologised for the disruption and assisted passengers with rebooking missed onward connections.