Passengers helped restrain and duct-tape a disruptive man to his first-class seat aboard an American Airlines flight after he allegedly assaulted other travelers and bit a retired police officer.
American Airlines Flight 618 was traveling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on September 3, 2026, when the disturbance erupted.
The flight diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), where police boarded the aircraft and arrested the man.
According to one of the passengers, the man was seated two rows behind him in first class aboard the Boeing 737-800 when he became belligerent and began directing racial and homophobic slurs at people aboard the flight.
The passenger told CNN that a flight attendant initially tried to control the situation, but the man became increasingly agitated. He allegedly struck the passenger seated next to him and then hit a woman who attempted to intervene.
A retired New Jersey police officer traveling on the flight stepped in to help while other passengers also became involved as the confrontation turned physical.
A flight attendant provided the passengers with a flexible restraint, which they used to secure the man’s wrists. The man then bit the retired police officer and attempted to bite another passenger, according to the account.
The passengers subsequently used duct tape provided by the crew to secure the man to his seat. They reportedly avoided placing tape over his mouth to ensure that he could breathe.
Passengers said the restraints reduced the man’s movement but did not stop him from resisting. One of the passengers sat on the restrained man’s lap for approximately 15 minutes as the aircraft descended toward Baltimore.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Flight 618 landed safely at BWI at approximately 22:15 local time after the crew reported a passenger disturbance.
Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested and booked the man on state charges, according to the FBI. Authorities have not officially released his name or specified the charges against him.
The FBI said it is conducting interviews and will consult with the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine whether federal charges should also be filed.
American Airlines confirmed that law enforcement met the aircraft and removed the disruptive passenger before the flight continued to Newark.
“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence,” American Airlines said.
The airline also thanked its crew members for their professionalism and passengers for their understanding.
Airlines have reported more than 1,160 unruly-passenger incidents to the agency so far in 2026. The FAA can pursue civil penalties exceeding $43,000 per violation against passengers accused of assaulting, threatening, intimidating or interfering with airline crew members. Passengers can also face separate criminal charges.