Passenger Restrained After Alleged Outburst Forces American Airlines Flight Diversion

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

Flight 618 was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where law enforcement met the aircraft and arrested the passenger. The flight later continued to Newark.

According to eyewitness accounts, the man began shouting at another passenger and later directed racial and homophobic slurs at a Black flight attendant who approached him.

His behaviour allegedly escalated when he struck the passenger seated beside him and damaged the passenger’s computer. A woman who attempted to intervene was also reportedly pushed.

Three male passengers subsequently helped crew members restrain the man in his seat using duct tape, while his hands were secured with zip ties.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in Baltimore at about 10:15 p.m. local time.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Police identified the passenger as 67-year-old Arthur Lundeen of Arizona and said he was arrested and booked on state charges. The FBI is gathering information to determine whether federal charges will follow.

American Airlines said it does not tolerate violence and thanked its crew and passengers for their cooperation.