United Airlines flight forced into unscheduled landing as ‘non-compliant’ first-class passenger ‘bites’ staff
The passenger was travelling in first-class when they became aggressive and allegedly ‘bit’ and ‘fought off’ flight attendants.
An unruly first-class passenger has forced an international flight to make an unplanned landing after they allegedly became aggressive towards cabin staff.
United Airlines flight 18 was travelling from Milan, Italy to New Ark, New Jersey on Tuesday when a 37-year-old Russian woman seated at the front of the aircraft started causing a scene inside the cabin, People reported.
The mid-flight meltdown occurred when the woman, identified as Kristina Kedysheva, asked airline staff for more alcoholic drinks but was “refused” service.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.It was then that “non-compliant” Ms Kedysheva became “aggressive” and allegedly started “assaulting flight attendants,” a lead air hostess onboard the plane told investigators.
A fellow passenger told police she grabbed the woman when she saw her “move close to the outer, rear door” out of fear she might try and open it.
But Ms Kedysheva then started yelling, prompting staff to try restrain her as she became increasingly resistant as she “fought off” and “bit” a flight attendant on the wrist.
“When flight crew and able-bodied people attempted to place Ms Kedysheva in restraints, Ms Kedysheva fought them off,’” the flight attendant added.
According to another cabin crew member, Ms Kedysheva had already consumed a number of alcoholic beverages and “appeared to be drunk”.
Airline staff alerted the FBI and the captain was forced to make an emergency landing at Bangor International Airport in Maine.
Upon arrival, the disruptive passenger was removed from the plane and detained by US Customs and Border Patrol.
United Airlines said in statement provided to People the flight landed safely in Maine after an “unruly passenger” caused the unscheduled diversion.
Under police questioning, Ms Kedysheva denied accusations she bit airline staff, attempted to tamper with a door and made threats to airline crews.
She maintained she did not do anything wrong and claimed the in-flight chaos was caused by a female flight attendant.
However, she allegedly admitted to drinking three alcoholic drinks onboard over the course of a few hours.
Ms Kedysheva faces one count of interference with a flight crew and one count of assault.
