Jan 12, 2022: According to a report by Reuters, at a Honduran airport, a passenger crashed into the cockpit of an American Airlines jet and damaged the plane as it was boarding a flight to Miami.
The passenger was consequently taken into custody, the airline said Tuesday.
The American Airlines said in a statement that crew members intervened and the man, who could not be immediately identified, was arrested by local authorities.
There were no reports of injuries.
The suspect ran down the jetway and into the cockpit, damaged flight control and tried to jump out of an open window when the pilot tried to stop him, ABC News reported. “We appreciate the professionalism of our outstanding staff members in dealing with this difficult situation,” American Airlines said in a statement.
The damaged aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 carrying 121 passengers and six crew members, was grounded at Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the airline said.
An alternate equipment to the damaged plane was on its way to Honduras and scheduled to depart at 9:30 p.m. local time.
The cause of the attack was not disclosed, although airlines are dealing with an increase in the number of uncontrolled passengers amid the COVID-19 pandemic especially since officials are now tasked with enforcing mask rules and other SOPs.
