An All Nippon Airways flight en route from Tokyo to Houston was unexpectedly diverted to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after a passenger allegedly attempted to open the plane’s exit doors during the flight, according to authorities. As of May 18, the Federal Aviation Administration reported a staggering 597 incidents of unruly passenger behavior in 2025 alone.
The flight, which was making its way from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Houston Intercontinental Airport, had been airborne for roughly nine hours when the diversion occurred. The aircraft landed safely at 4:19 a.m. local time, as tracked by FlightAware.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY, All Nippon Airways confirmed that Flight 114 had to be diverted due to the actions of an unruly passenger. Crew members, along with fellow travelers, successfully restrained the individual during the flight. Upon landing, the Port of Seattle Police conducted an evaluation and determined that the man was experiencing a medical emergency. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for further assistance, as reported by police.
While the plane remained on the tarmac at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, another passenger expressed frustration over the diversion by striking a bathroom door. This individual was removed from the aircraft for their disruptive behavior. The flight ultimately resumed its journey to Houston, arriving approximately four hours later than originally scheduled.
At this time, no criminal charges have been filed against either passenger involved in the incidents. All Nippon Airways, a prominent Japanese airline based in Tokyo, operates flights to several destinations in the U.S., including Los Angeles, Seattle, Honolulu, and New York, alongside its services to Asia. In a similar incident in 2024, a highly intoxicated passenger aboard an All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo to Seattle reportedly bit a flight attendant shortly after takeoff, as reported by The Japan Times.
AloJapan.com