A United Airlines flight from London to Newark faced an unexpected diversion to Bangor, Maine, after two passengers reportedly became unruly during the journey. Flight 883 arrived in Bangor on Friday morning following the incident, which prompted the intervention of law enforcement officials.
According to a statement from United Airlines provided to USA TODAY, the disruptive passengers, who appeared to be intoxicated, were removed from the flight upon arrival in Bangor. The airline confirmed that the flight subsequently resumed its journey to Newark Liberty International Airport, with the affected passengers barred from future United flights pending a review of the matter.
Assistance from multiple agencies, including the Bangor Police Department Airport Division, Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was enlisted to address the situation. A spokesperson for the FBI clarified that one individual was detained and arrested following consultation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maine. Notably, authorities emphasized that the incident was unrelated to terrorism.
While CBP has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident, it is evident that federal agencies are actively involved in investigating the circumstances surrounding the unruly behavior exhibited onboard the flight.
The occurrence adds to a broader trend of incidents involving unruly passengers, although recent data from the Federal Aviation Administration FAA indicates a decrease in such occurrences compared to previous years. In 2023, the FAA received 2,075 reports of unruly passengers, marking a decline from 2,455 reports in the prior year and a significant decrease from the peak of 5,973 incidents recorded in 2021.
As of February 25 of this year, the FAA has received 286 reports of unruly passengers, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and swift action to address disruptive behavior aboard commercial flights.
Flight diversions due to unruly passengers present challenges for both airlines and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to maintain the safety and security of air travel. While incidents of this nature are relatively rare, they serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to established protocols and regulations to ensure the smooth operation of flights and the well-being of all passengers and crew members.
As the investigation into the incident continues, authorities are likely to provide further updates regarding any legal proceedings or additional measures taken in response to the disruptive behavior exhibited onboard United Airlines Flight 883.
