Flight diverted to Seattle after passenger tried to open plane's door, authorities say

USA Today

26-05-2025

Flight diverted to Seattle after passenger tried to open plane's door, authorities say
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An All Nippon Airways flight traveling from Tokyo to Houston was diverted to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after a passenger reportedly tried to open the plane's exit doors mid-flight, authorities said.
The plane, travelling from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Houston Intercontinental Airport, was about nine hours into its 12-hour journey when it made the diversion, according to FlightAware. The flight landed safely at 4:19 a.m. local time, where it was met by Port of Seattle Police and the FBI Seattle.
"Port of Seattle Police were called due to reports of a passenger who attempted to open exit doors during the flight," said Chris Guizlo, spokesperson for the Port of Seattle.
In a statement to USA TODAY, All Nippon Airways confirmed the incident, stating ANA Flight 114 "was diverted in-flight to Seattle due to an unruly passenger."
Fellow passengers and crew members had restrained the man while the plane was in the air, according to Amy Alexander, a spokesperson for the FBI Seattle. Upon arrival, Port of Seattle Police gave an assessment and determined he was experiencing a medical crisis.
He was then transported to a local hospital by emergency medical services for further treatment, police said.
While the plane sat on the tarmac of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, another passenger became "frustrated" at the diversion and punched the bathroom door, according to the airport. The second individual was deplaned for "unruly behavior" and the flight resumed to Houston, landing about four hours after its scheduled arrival time.
No charges have been filed against either passenger at this time, the FBI said.
"The safety of our passengers and crew are our top priority and we applaud the efforts of local law enforcement for their support," All Nippon Airways said.
A Japanese airline based in Tokyo, All Nippon Airways services several U.S. destinations, including Los Angeles, Seattle, Honolulu, and New York, with flights to Asia. In 2024, a highly intoxicated passenger on an All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo to Seattle reportedly bit a flight attendant in the arm an hour after takeoff, the Japanese airline told The Japan Times.
The unidentified passenger was restrained by the flight crew, reported Kyodo News.
As of May 18, there have been 597 reports of unruly passengers in 2025 to the Federal Aviation Administration.