Baltimore, Maryland — September 5, 2026: An American Airlines flight traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark was diverted to Baltimore after a 67-year-old Arizona passenger allegedly became violent and disruptive during the flight.

The incident occurred aboard American Airlines Flight AA618, which was operating to Newark Liberty International Airport. According to reports, the passenger's behavior escalated during the flight, prompting crew members and fellow passengers to intervene.

The man, identified in subsequent reports as Arthur Lundeen, allegedly became verbally aggressive before the confrontation turned physical. Witnesses said he assaulted another passenger and displayed increasingly violent behavior.

With the situation posing a potential safety threat onboard, several passengers and crew members restrained him using zip ties and duct tape. Images from the incident showed the passenger secured to his seat while the aircraft continued toward Baltimore.

The flight was subsequently diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The aircraft landed at approximately 10:15 p.m., where law enforcement officers met the plane and took the passenger into custody.

According to reports, Lundeen is facing charges including second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Authorities have not indicated that the incident resulted in serious injuries to other passengers or crew.

American Airlines said the diversion was necessary because of a disruptive customer and reiterated that the safety and security of its passengers and employees remain its highest priority.

After the passenger was removed and law enforcement completed their response, the flight continued to its original destination in Newark.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by airline crews when dealing with serious inflight disturbances, where passengers and crew must act quickly to protect others while the aircraft is still airborne.