A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Beijing (PEK) returned to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport last week after a passenger allegedly attacked a flight attendant.
The incident occurred about 45 minutes into the flight when a 23-year-old man seated in first class confronted and assaulted a crew member. Other passengers helped restrain him until the aircraft landed, and Port of Seattle police arrested the man shortly after arrival.
“Flight 129 returned to Seattle following a security incident with a passenger,” a Delta spokesperson said. “The passenger was restrained onboard and was removed from the flight by law enforcement without further incident when the aircraft arrived back in Seattle.”
Passengers reported the man had been pacing up and down the cabin aisle and attempted to open an exit door. Witnesses said he punched a flight attendant who tried to intervene.
After being detained, the suspect was brought into the terminal in handcuffs and a wheelchair. According to observers, he overturned the wheelchair and shouted for help in the terminal before officers secured the situation. Airport and FBI officials later determined there was no ongoing national security threat, and the Delta flight resumed its journey to Beijing without further incident.
The flight attendant and another passenger were taken to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.