A United Airlines flight from Frankfurt to Chicago made an unplanned detour to Boston on Monday morning after crew members and passengers restrained an unruly traveler, officials said. Massachusetts State Police took the person into custody when the plane landed at Logan International Airport around 9:30 a.m., where emergency medical crews evaluated the passenger at the gate. The individual declined treatment, and the aircraft later resumed its trip to Chicago, according to authorities.
What Happened at Logan
Massachusetts State Police said United Flight 945 was diverted to Logan at about 9:30 a.m. after a passenger had to be restrained on board, according to WCVB. Troopers said the passenger was placed into custody and that the investigation is ongoing. Emergency medical services were called to the gate, but the person declined assistance, the station reported.
Flight and Response
Massport contacted Massachusetts State Police at about 9:34 a.m., and troopers said the restrained passenger was cooperative when officers boarded the aircraft, NBC Boston reported. According to NBC Boston, Flight 945 operates between Frankfurt and Chicago O'Hare, and United confirmed the aircraft landed safely and was expected to continue on to Chicago later. Flight-tracking data on Flightera shows UA945 as the Frankfurt–Chicago service for April 27.
What the Rules Say
The Federal Aviation Administration enforces a zero-tolerance policy for passengers who assault, threaten or interfere with crew members and can seek civil penalties for serious violations, the agency states. The FAA has also increased referrals of its most serious unruly-passenger cases to the FBI as part of stepped-up enforcement in recent years, according to reporting by The Washington Post and the agency’s own general statements on enforcement published by FAA. Regulators and airlines have leaned on fines and criminal referrals as disruptions have surged.
What's Next
Massachusetts State Police said the investigation into the incident is ongoing and did not immediately announce any charges, officials told reporters. Passengers were allowed to deplane and the plane later departed for Chicago, WCVB reported. Authorities said they will provide updates as the inquiry continues.
