U.S.-Bound Passenger Jet Returns to Tokyo After Inebriated Passenger Sinks Teeth into Flight Attendant’s Arm

Unruly Passenger’s Drunken Rampage Forces Mid-Air U-Turn

Tokyo, Japan – A U.S.-bound passenger jet operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA) was compelled to make an abrupt about-face and return to Tokyo Haneda Airport on Thursday after a heavily intoxicated passenger exhibited outrageous behavior, culminating in a disturbing incident where the individual sank their teeth into a female cabin attendant’s arm.

Flight Details: A Journey Gone Awry

• Flight ANA 118 embarked on its journey from Tokyo Haneda Airport at 9:24 p.m. Tuesday (7:24 a.m. ET), carrying the promise of a smooth transpacific voyage to Seattle, Washington, approximately 10 hours away.
• However, fate had a different plan in store. Roughly three hours into the flight, the aircraft was forced to execute an unexpected U-turn, returning to its point of origin, Tokyo Haneda Airport, where it touched down at 12:26 a.m. (10:26 a.m. ET Tuesday).

Passenger Apprehended: Intoxicated American Faces Assault Charges

Tokyo, Japan – The unruly passenger, identified as a 55-year-old American citizen, was promptly apprehended by authorities upon landing and subsequently arrested on assault charges. The female flight attendant who endured the bite sustained minor injuries as a result of the unprovoked attack.

A Troubling Trend: Unruly Passenger Behavior Takes Flight

• In recent years, there has been a disturbing surge in reported incidents involving unruly passengers engaging in violent behavior, including biting, on flights in the United States and beyond.
• In July 2022, two separate incidents occurred in the U.S. involving women who brazenly assaulted flight crews and resorted to biting fellow passengers. These incidents resulted in substantial fines being issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with amounts reaching over $80,000.
• In May 2017, an incident in North Carolina took a terrifying turn when a man attempted to bite a flight attendant and then, in a desperate act, tried to jump out of the plane.

Japan’s Recent Aviation Incidents: A String of Unfortunate Events

• Earlier this month, a Japan Airlines plane was involved in a tragic collision with a coast guard aircraft at Tokyo Haneda Airport, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of five lives on the coast guard jet.
• Additionally, a Korean Air plane clipped a Cathay Pacific airliner at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident.

Conclusion: Addressing Unruly Passenger Behavior

The incident involving the intoxicated passenger biting a flight attendant on the ANA flight serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of unruly passenger behavior on aircraft and the potential safety risks it poses. Airlines and authorities continue to implement measures to address such incidents and ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of air travel, it is imperative that we work together to promote responsible behavior, mutual respect, and adherence to safety regulations. Only then can we ensure that the skies remain safe and enjoyable for all.