Plane With 212 Passengers On Board Was Headed To Washington, D.C.

A United Airlines flight from Beijing to Washington, D.C. turned around about two hours into its flight because a passenger started an altercation with a member of the flight crew.

The South China Post reports that the plane departed Beijing at about 2030 local time Friday night, and landed back at in Beijing about 3 1/2 hours later. Fox News reports that a United spokesman confirmed the incident, saying “Flight 808 from Beijing to Washington Dulles returned to Beijing after a customer initiated an altercation with a member of the flight crew, causing a safety concern.”

United would not specify the nature of the altercation. However, the Morning Post newspaper reported that the passenger had initially gotten involved in an argument with another passenger, and then became angry with a flight attendant who attempted to intervene. The paper also reported that the passenger appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The plane turned around near the Chinese border with Russia, according to the report.

United confirmed that the passenger was met at the gate by law enforcement officials. He was removed from the aircraft without incident.

The remaining passengers were rebooked on a flight Saturday after receiving meal and hotel vouchers.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report