United Airlines Flight Diverted Due to Unruly Passenger

A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday night to address an issue with an unruly passenger. According to an airline spokesperson, United flight 2005 landed safely in Madison after a security concern arose.

Carrie Springer, spokeswoman for the Dane County Regional Airport, stated that law enforcement on board quickly restrained the passenger. Upon landing, deputies from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office removed the individual from the aircraft. Federal authorities are currently investigating the incident.

Air traffic control audio reviewed by The Associated Press revealed that a crew member informed controllers that, although it took some time, law enforcement subdued the passenger. The flight, a Boeing 737, had 147 passengers and six crew members on board. There were no reported injuries, according to the airline.

Passenger Mike Rundle shared that the unruly individual appeared to be in his 70s and seemed confused to other passengers. Rundle mentioned that the man stood up while the plane was on the runway in Chicago. Flight attendants instructed him to sit down and requested any Russian-speaking passengers to assist via the intercom.

Rundle stated, “I didn’t have a clear view of what happened, but the person next to me on the aisle said they saw him ‘reach’ for a flight attendant and it took a few guys to hold him back.”

Afterward, the man was seated quietly for the remainder of the flight and was handcuffed upon reaching Madison. Rundle praised the flight crew’s handling of the situation, remarking that the general atmosphere remained calm. The flight resumed and safely landed in Minneapolis early Saturday morning.