Photo credit: www.yahoo.com
NEW YORK — An American Airlines flight bound for Italy was compelled to turn back to JFK International Airport after an incident involving an unruly passenger, who reportedly became agitated over meal service.
Flight 198 was about four hours into its scheduled journey when the situation escalated. Witness accounts indicate that the passenger reacted violently, attempting to confront flight crew members and even trying to access the cockpit around 11 p.m.
According to passenger Krystie Tomlinson, the trouble appeared to stem from the individual expressing dissatisfaction with a pre-ordered meal, which he claimed was not provided. “Apparently, the whole thing started because of a meal choice they didn’t get,” Tomlinson remarked.
Tomlinson further explained that the disturbed passenger was traveling with an infant and was upset about not being assigned an exit row, which may have contributed to his volatile behavior.
Another passenger, Michael Scigliano, described a tense atmosphere as the flight deviated back to New York, with the agitated individual remaining unrestrained in the rear of the aircraft. “It was a little bit scary considering we had a plane full of 300 people and there was no air marshal onboard,” he said, indicating concern for the safety of those aboard.
The flight made its way back to JFK around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, with passengers expressing frustration as they awaited the removal of the disruptive individual by law enforcement. The flight ultimately resumed its journey to Milan later that morning, around 11 a.m.
The identity of the contentious passenger has not been disclosed, but law enforcement sources have stated he was released without facing criminal charges.
In a formal statement, American Airlines acknowledged the incident, affirming their commitment to passenger safety. “American Airlines flight 198 with service from New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) returned to JFK due to a disruptive passenger,” the statement read. “The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we thank our customers for their understanding.”
_____
Source
www.yahoo.com