Passenger Restrained With Duct Tape As American Airlines Flight Diverts After Alleged Racist, Anti-Gay Outburst

An American Airlines flight travelling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore on Thursday night after a passenger allegedly became violent and disruptive during the flight.

American Airlines Flight 618 was en route to Newark Liberty International Airport when the incident occurred. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), where law enforcement officers met the plane.

According to reports, the passenger allegedly shouted racial and anti-gay slurs and became increasingly aggressive. Witnesses also alleged that he struck the passenger seated beside him and pushed a woman who attempted to intervene.

As the situation escalated, several passengers and members of the crew reportedly worked together to restrain the man until the aircraft could land safely. Video and photographs published by TMZ showed the passenger restrained in his seat with duct tape, while his hands were secured with zip ties.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the flight was diverted to BWI at about 10:15 p.m. after a passenger disturbance was reported.

Upon landing, Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested the passenger. ABC News reported that the man, identified as Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona, faces state charges of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. The FBI is also investigating the incident and is consulting with federal prosecutors to determine whether additional federal charges could follow.

American Airlines confirmed the diversion in a statement, saying Flight 618 was diverted because of a “disruptive customer.” The airline said the safety and security of its passengers and crew remain its top priority and that it does not tolerate violence.

After the passenger was removed, the aircraft continued its journey to Newark.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the challenges airlines and passengers face when dealing with unruly behaviour at 30,000 feet, where crew members must act quickly to protect everyone on board.