A Newark-bound United Airlines jet with nearly 300 passengers and crew members aboard had to make an unscheduled stop in Maine Tuesday over an unruly passenger, authorities say.
United Airlines Flight 18 departed Italy’s Milano Maplensa Airport for its eight-plus-hour trek to New Jersey. It’s not clear when the passenger allegedly became unruly, and authorities didn’t elaborate on the behavior.
Law enforcement met the aircraft when it stopped in Bangor and took the person off the plane. The flight continued to Newark, where it landed safely.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the stopover and said it would investigate.
It’s at least the second diversion involving an unruly passenger on a Newark-bound flight within a week.
Last Thursday, a 67-year-old Arizona man allegedly became disruptive on American Airlines Flight 618, flying from Dallas to Newark. Multiple passengers worked together to duct-tape him to his seat. The passenger has been charged with disorderly conduct and assault. He also got fired from his job.