Passenger duct-taped to seat after racial slurs force flight to divert to BWI

A disruptive passenger was restrained with duct tape and zip ties after hurling racial slurs mid-flight, forcing an emergency diversion to Baltimore. Google News MT reports the incident drew widespread attention.

Passenger restrained mid-flight after racial slur outburst diverts plane to Baltimore

A commercial flight made an unscheduled landing at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Marshall Airport after a passenger allegedly used racial slurs and attacked a fellow traveller, according to reports aggregated by Google News MT.

Crew members and witnesses say the man was bound to his first-class seat using duct tape and zip ties before the aircraft touched down at BWI. A witness told NBC News the passenger had hurled slurs and physically assaulted another person on board before being restrained.

The flight had originated from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Reports from WMAR 2 News Baltimore, WJLA, and wtop.com confirm the diversion was declared as an emergency landing, with the aircraft redirected mid-route.

Federal aviation regulations require crew to report unruly passenger incidents. It was not immediately confirmed whether law enforcement met the aircraft on arrival or whether charges had been filed against the man.

The use of duct tape and zip ties to restrain disruptive passengers, while uncommon, has precedent in in-flight emergency situations where crew lack dedicated restraint equipment. Airlines are required to carry such measures as a last resort under certain safety protocols.

No injuries beyond those connected to the alleged assault were reported. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Source: Google News MT