Passenger Causes Disturbance on Tokyo-Houston Flight
Another Passenger Creates Commotion Over Diversion
A passenger caused a disturbance on a flight bound for Houston, USA, by attempting to open an emergency exit, forcing the plane to return. During this incident, another passenger, angered by the diversion, reportedly caused a commotion by banging on the bathroom door.
On May 25 (local time), CNN reported that "on May 24, All Nippon Airways (ANA) Flight 114, en route from Tokyo Haneda Airport in Japan to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, USA, made an emergency landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport due to a disturbance caused by a passenger during the flight."
According to the outlet, the problematic passenger was subdued by crew members and other passengers, and was transported to a hospital for a health check immediately after landing. ANA issued a statement saying, "The flight was diverted to Seattle due to a disturbance by a passenger."
A passenger disturbance occurred on a flight heading to Houston, USA, causing the plane to return to its origin. Pixabay
However, the disturbances did not end there. After the aircraft landed in Seattle, another passenger caused a scene by punching the lavatory door. This passenger was reportedly upset by the diversion and created a disturbance. This individual was also restrained and removed from the flight. The plane then departed for Houston without further incident and arrived around 1 p.m.
The Port of Seattle stated, "The passenger was denied boarding for the flight to Houston due to disruptive behavior prior to departure," adding, "This incident was unrelated to the previous event, and the passenger was removed from the aircraft without further issues."
Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has enforced a zero-tolerance policy for in-flight disturbances since 2021. In 2023 alone, more than 2,000 incidents were reported, and legal action was taken in over 400 cases. This policy allows legal measures to be taken against passengers for acts such as assault or threats against crew members. While the FAA does not have criminal prosecution authority, it can impose fines.
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