Passenger causes chaos at JFK after being denied JetBlue ticket to Haiti

Research

View from the Wing | View from the Wing

By Sky Industry News

Sep 14, 2024

In a startling incident at New York’s JFK Airport, a man went on a destructive rampage at the JetBlue check-in area, reportedly after being denied a ticket to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Onlookers were stunned as he shouted and caused significant damage to the airline’s kiosks.

JetBlue operates daily flights (B6 935 and 634) between JFK and Port-au-Prince, maintaining an essential connection for many Haitians amidst the country’s ongoing political turmoil and violence. This passenger, however, did not have a ticket but was demanding to be placed on the next available flight.

The man grew increasingly agitated as he walked around the check-in area, shouting at passersby. His demands were clear: “I need to get to Haiti on the next scheduled flight… the next scheduled flight.”

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

As his frustration escalated, he began attacking the check-in computers and self-service kiosks, knocking over equipment and trash cans. Despite the chaos, some passengers in line for assistance continued to wait in an orderly manner, even as the man’s actions caused some barriers to hit bystanders.

The situation drew to a close when a lone police officer arrived, managing to subdue the man with a bear hug and escort him out of the terminal.