Passenger duct-taped on flight after trying to open emergency exit mid-air

An unruly individual forced co-passengers to take action on American Airlines flight 1219 from from Albuquerque to Chicago on February 20.

Half an hour into the flight, a man tried to open the emergency exit mid-air, according to multiple passenger accounts. Co-passengers jumped into action and duct-taped the man to his seat.

One of the passengers who helped subdue the individual, shared his experience on X. "Thirty minutes after departing Albuquerque I was shaken out of my Panda Express and Tequila induced stupor by a man trying to aggressively open the airplane door 4 rows back. Me and 5 other dudes had to wrestle him into the aisle, duct tape his legs, and throw flexi-cuffs on him," he said.

The incident prompted the airline to turn back and land in Albuquerque. The man was arrested by local law enforcement upon arrival, with the FBI's Albuquerque Division taking charge of the investigation.

A spokesperson for American Airlines spoke to DailyMail and said, "American Airlines flight 1219 with service from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Chicago (ORD) returned to ABQ shortly after takeoff due to a disturbance in the cabin involving a disruptive customer. The flight landed safely and the aircraft was met by local law enforcement upon arrival."

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