US-bound flight from Japan diverted after passenger tried to open plane’s door

Dubai: A Houston-bound All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo was diverted to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after a passenger allegedly tried to open the plane’s exit doors mid-flight. The flight departed from Tokyo Haneda Airport nine hours into its 12-hour journey when the jet made the diversion, according to FlightAware.  

Fortunately, the flight landed safely at 4:19 am local time, where it was met by Port of Seattle Police and the FBI Seattle, according to a USA Today report.

“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.

All Nippon Airways confirmed the incident in a statement to the American publication, adding that ANA Flight 114 “was diverted in-flight to Seattle due to an unruly passenger.

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, said USA Today, citing Amy Alexander, a spokesperson for the FBI Seattle. Upon arrival, police determined the passenger was having a medical crisis and transported him to a local hospital.

During the delay on the tarmac, another passenger became frustrated and punched the bathroom door. Officials confirmed that this individual was removed from the flight for unruly behaviour.

The All Nippon Airways flight, which originated in Tokyo and was heading to Houston, eventually resumed its journey and landed approximately four hours late. No charges have been filed against either passenger, according to the FBI.

All Nippon Airways emphasized that passenger and crew safety is their top priority.

The incident is part of a larger trend of unruly passenger behaviour. As of May 18, the Federal Aviation Administration had received 597 reports of such incidents. This follows a 2024 incident on another All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo to Seattle where an intoxicated passenger bit a flight attendant.