American Airlines passenger duct-taped to seat after allegedly hurling abuse onboard flight to New Jersey

An international flight has descended into chaos after a passenger was restrained with duct-tape following an alleged racial and homophobic tirade onboard.

American Airlines flight 618 was travelling from Dallas, Texas to Newark, New Jersey on September 3 when about two hours into the journey a passenger began shouting in the cabin, CBS News reports.

According to other passengers, the 67-year-old became increasingly belligerent when he started yelling about Jesus and going to hell at a man who was seated next to him in first class.

The commotion caught the attention of a flight attendant who approached the man in an attempt to diffuse the situation.

But the incident escalated when he allegedly called the African American flight attendant the N-word before hurling homophobic slurs at her.

Fellow passenger, Richard Olenick, was sitting two rows in front and leap into action to help airline staff restrain the man, who had become increasingly violent.

A photo, captured and shared by Mr Olenick on Instagram, shows the passenger bound to his seat by duct tape that had been wrapped around his torso, arms and head.

Retired police officer, Juan Mejia, was also sitting in the same row of seats and later described his account of the ordeal to CBS News.

“Just like a light switch, all of a sudden, it went from quiet to yelling and chaos,” he said.

“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.”

The pilot was forced to divert the flight to Washington International Airport so law enforcement could remove the unruly passenger from the plane.

Upon landing, he was taken into custody on state charges as the FBI investigates the incident.

“The FBI is currently conducting interviews to gather the facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine if federal charges will be filed,” the statement said, according to CBS News.

American Airlines said the flight was diverted due to a “disruptive customer” before it continued its journey to Newark.

“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence,’ a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

“We thank our team members for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”