An American Airlines plane that was destined for the city of Chicago had to return to New Mexico and make a forced landing, for a passenger who tried to open an emergency door just a few minutes after takeoffthe other passengers, upon realizing this action, subdued him and tied him up immediately.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that American Airlines Flight 1219 returned to Albuquerque International Sunport airport after the crew reported an altercation between passengers, due to “a disturbance in the cabin related to a problematic passenger.”
In video captured by passengers who were on board, you can see the moment when The man begins the riot and nearby people quickly attack him to subdue and neutralize him.
In addition, in an interview for local media, witnesses testified about what happened on that flight and reported the terror what they felt when they saw the situation.
“He was sitting on the emergency exit and opened the window that protected the handle. He tore off the handle where he exposed part of the emergency exit and all the wind blew… The guy was shouting ‘I want to get out’ when they grabbed him. I’m just curious to know what was happening with him, why he needed to get off the plane,” said Emma Ritz, a passenger on board.
“The people who were near the window felt the pressure, so the sound was what really alerted everyone,” said Daniel Lewis, another witness to the chaos.
The airline confirmed that The client was met by local police after the plane landed in Albuquerque.
Given these incidents, the Federal Aviation Administration reported that So far this year alone, crew members have reported at least 250 incidents with passengers.
In 2021, almost 6,000 incidents had already been recorded, upon the return of travel restrictions with the pandemic. And in 2022 and 2023 incidents exceeded 2,000.
These types of incidents have authorities and passengers on high alert throughout the United States.
This event occurs just one day after American Airlines will report the increase in its prices for all checked baggage.
American Airlines raises checked baggage costs
This week, American Airlines announced that it raised the price for checked bags, derived from an annual report that revealed how much airlines collect for this fee, which in 2023 alone was 33.3 billion.
American Airlines said in a statement that has not raised suitcase prices since 2018. Also will reduce prices for oversized and heavy luggagewhich the airline says are its “lowest fare ever.”
Price hike comes as airlines battle rising fuel and labor costs. American revealed in its results last month that its net income plummeted 98% in the last three months of 2023.
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