An All Nippon Airways flight bound for Houston was forced to divert to Tacoma International Airport after a passenger reportedly tried to open an exit door mid-flight.
The Boeing 787-9 (registration JA934A) had departed Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and was nine hours into its 12-hour journey when the crew opted to divert, according to data.
The aircraft touched down safely at 4:19 a.m. local time, where Port of Seattle Police and FBI agents were waiting. “Port of Seattle Police were called due to reports of a passenger who attempted to open exit doors during the flight,” spokesperson explained.
ANA confirmed the incident, saying Flight 114 was rerouted because of an “unruly passenger.” Fellow travelers and crew restrained the man until landing. FBI Seattle spokesperson Amy Alexander later said officers determined the individual was experiencing a medical emergency and took him to a nearby hospital.
While the jet sat on the tarmac, a second passenger became agitated and punched a lavatory door; that person was also removed for disruptive behavior.
After the interventions, the flight continued to Houston and arrived roughly four hours behind schedule. No charges have been filed against either passenger.
