'Unruly passenger' on American Airlines causes diversion of Chicago-bound flight

An American Airlines jet headed towards Chicago O'Hare International Airport was forced to divert to Indianapolis on 14 September after an "unruly passenger" became aggressive towards a passenger and a flight crew member. Flight 1284 from Miami was delayed for around an hour and a half.

The Indy Star reported that a woman became belligerent near the Indiana/Kentucky border and became aggressive when the flight crew attempted to calm her down. Despite reportedly striking a passenger and a flight crew member, no injuries were reported.

The FBI was called to the American Airlines gate, where the unruly passenger was removed, the Indy Star reported. The passenger, who remains unidentified, allegedly struck airport authorities as she was being removed from the plane.

According to Fox59, she faces several charges, including: battery with injury to a person, battery with no injury to a person, battery with injury to a safety officer, criminal recklessness and disruption of a flight. CBS Chicago noted that she was heard shouting: "Call my mom!" as she was being removed from the flight.

Following the disruption, the plane proceeded on to Chicago. Brian Salvi, a Chicago lawyer who was on the flight, posted a video of the incident on Twitter, with a reference to the film Bridesmaid. "When someone has a Bridesmaid moment on your plane and you need to make an emergency landing."

It is unclear what provoked the woman's actions. The Chicago Tribune reported the Boeing 737 had 150 passengers and six crew members.