Flight to Minneapolis Diverted Due to Disruptive Passenger
A United Airlines flight was diverted to Wisconsin on Friday to address an incident involving an unruly passenger, who was subsequently restrained and removed by law enforcement upon landing.
A United Airlines flight traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday evening due to reports of an unruly passenger. An airline spokesperson confirmed that flight 2005 landed safely in Madison to manage a security concern involving the individual.
Carrie Springer, a representative for the Dane County Regional Airport, indicated that law enforcement officers on board quickly restrained the passenger. Upon landing, deputies from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office removed the individual as federal authorities took over the investigation. According to air traffic control audio, crew members informed controllers that it took some time for law enforcement to subdue the disorderly passenger.
The Boeing 737 was carrying 147 passengers and six crew members, with no injuries reported. Passenger Mike Rundle described the individual as appearing to be in his 70s and noted that other travelers commented on his apparent confusion. Rundle witnessed the man standing up when the plane was on the runway in Chicago, leading flight attendants to ask for assistance from passengers who spoke Russian. He later heard a commotion as several men escorted the same passenger back to his seat. While he did not have a clear view of the incident, he mentioned hearing that the man attempted to reach for a flight attendant before being restrained. Rundle described the general atmosphere on board as calm and praised the flight crew for their handling of the situation. The flight later continued to Minneapolis, arriving early Saturday morning.