Quantcast

Passenger attempts cockpit breach, restrained on American Airlines flight from São Paulo

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Passenger attempts cockpit breach, restrained on American Airlines flight from São Paulo
Policy
Webp messenger creation ed849b24 42c8 4988 80bd 6a7f1966b3ed
American Airlines | Official Website

A first-class passenger aboard an American Airlines flight from São Paulo to New York attempted to enter the cockpit just before takeoff, resulting in a physical restraint by crew members and a significant delay. The incident took place on Flight AA950 on the night of April 24, causing a postponement of more than two hours.

Video footage from social media shows the passenger confronting the flight crew near the cockpit, yelling profanities, and resisting efforts to calm her. She was eventually knocked to the floor and restrained before being seated again. Another disruptive passenger was also removed from the aircraft alongside her.

According to the flight magazine Aeroin, the woman's behavior began during taxiing after she questioned the delay and verbally engaged a flight attendant. When a pilot exited the cockpit, she moved towards the open door, prompting physical intervention from a crew member.

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.

Cell phone footage reveals the woman shouting in both Portuguese and English, threatening a crew member. A male passenger further escalated the situation by yelling at crew members. The incident led the aircraft to return to the boarding gate to de-escalate the confrontation.

American Airlines commented on the incident, stating that the flight returned to the gate due to "a security issue onboard." They emphasized that "the safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority."

In another video that gained traction online, the woman is seen being restrained and directed back to her seat before her removal. The cockpit door was open at the time, and crew members struggled to close it. During the altercation, the woman loudly protested her treatment, and another passenger also expressed anger before cabin crew intervened to defuse the tension.

After returning to the gate, law enforcement escorted both the woman and the male passenger off the flight. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, eventually resumed its journey to New York more than two hours later.

This is one in a series of recent disruptive incidents aboard commercial flights. Earlier in the month, a similar situation occurred on another American Airlines flight involving an attempted cockpit breach. These incidents continue to highlight the importance of strict security protocols surrounding cockpit access.

###

Organizations Included in this History
More News

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

Boeing has reached a production milestone, achieving a monthly output of 38 737 MAX aircraft for the first time since 2020.

Jun 5, 2025

At 14:12 local time on June 2, an Allegiant Air Airbus A320 experienced engine failure shortly after taking off from Huntington Tri-State Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

The UK government has initiated a comprehensive airspace modernization program, marking the first significant update since the 1950s.

Jun 5, 2025

Global Airlines has addressed speculation about its future operations, denying any intention to operate as an ACMI carrier using Airbus A380 aircraft.

Jun 5, 2025