American Airlines passenger duct-taped to seat after violent outburst

The unruly passenger was reportedly intoxicated and allegedly began shouting at a fellow traveller sitting next to him before the situation turned violent

A passenger had to be physically restrained and strapped to his seat with duct tape after chaos broke out on board an American Airlines flight.

The traveller, who was making his way from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, appeared to be under the influence when he began screaming at the passenger seated next to him.

Witnesses on board claimed the incident turned physical, with the man allegedly attacking a fellow passenger, destroying his laptop, and hurling both racial and homophobic abuse.

Matters reportedly deteriorated further when the man allegedly shoved a female passenger and attempted to bite two others.

Juan Mejia, a retired police officer who was travelling on the flight, recalled: “Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos.”

“I turned around to look, and the poor gentleman that was sitting next to him in the aisle seat, the individual had his hands around his neck and was, like, assaulting him.”

Mr Mejia and a fellow passenger intervened to subdue the disruptive traveller.

Cabin crew provided duct tape, which was used to bind his wrists and secure his head and torso firmly to his seat.

The plane was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, touching down approximately 15 minutes later.

Local police arrested the passenger upon landing, while the FBI is reportedly considering federal charges, according to TMZ. American Airlines confirmed the flight had been diverted owing to a “disruptive customer”.

Once the passenger had been removed, the aircraft continued on its way to Newark.

A spokesperson from American Airlines stated: “The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence.”

They further added: “We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”