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United Flight Hijacked by Drunk Passenger Who Bites Attendant and Attempts to Open Door

WHY IT MATTERS

The incident prompted a temporary flight halt, a review of United’s in‑flight service protocols, and the arrest of the passenger, highlighting the risks of alcohol‑related disruptions on commercial flights.

What happened

During a United Airlines flight from Italy to New York, a 36‑year‑old Russian passenger, allegedly intoxicated, attacked a flight attendant after the crew refused to serve more alcohol. The woman bit and kicked the attendant, then tried to force the aircraft door open. Five crew members and passengers had to restrain her for three hours before she was subdued. The incident was reported to authorities and court documents now detail the confrontation. The flight was grounded for safety checks, and the passenger was taken into custody for further questioning. United Airlines has not yet issued a statement, but the event underscores the need for stricter in‑flight alcohol policies and crew training on handling unruly passengers.

PRIMARY SOURCES

Drunk United Airlines Passenger Tries To Open Door Mid-Flight, Then Bites Flight Attendant

Simple Flying · Louis Hardiman · Discovery only; publisher copyright terms apply

CORRECTIONS & UPDATES

  1. Revision 1 · Initial ingestion · Sep 10, 2026, 5:30 PM
  2. Revision 2 · Source update detected · Sep 10, 2026, 5:30 PM
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