In a disturbing incident on the night of January 16, a U.S.-bound All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight was forced to return to Japan after a 55-year-old American male passenger allegedly bit a flight stewardess. The passenger, reportedly heavily drunk, left the crew with no choice but to turn back, causing inconvenience to the 159 passengers on board, according to The Japan Times and Kyodo News.
The Unruly Passenger’s Attack
The unruly passenger, in a state of apparent intoxication, sank his teeth into the arm of a flight stewardess during the ANA flight. The aggressive behavior resulted in mild injuries to the crew member, prompting the pilots to make the decision to return to Haneda Airport in Tokyo on the early morning of January 17.
In response to the attack, the flight crew swiftly restrained the assailant, preventing further harm. Upon landing, Tokyo police arrested the 55-year-old man at the airport. The exact identity of the suspect remains undisclosed as the Tokyo police have refrained from providing further details on the case.
Claims of Memory Loss and Sleeping Pill
Following his arrest, the passenger claimed to have no recollection of the violent incident. According to Japanese broadcasting agency TBS, he stated that he “doesn’t recall” what transpired on the flight. Additionally, the man asserted that he had taken a sleeping pill, introducing a potential factor contributing to his erratic behavior.
The disruptive episode not only posed a threat to the safety of the flight crew but also inconvenienced the 159 passengers on board. The decision to turn back the plane undoubtedly disrupted travel plans and schedules, emphasizing the serious consequences of such unruly behavior during flights.
The arrested passenger is likely to face legal consequences for his actions, which may include charges related to endangering the safety of the flight crew and fellow passengers. However, the Tokyo police have yet to release specific information, maintaining discretion on the suspect’s identity and further details of the case.