Quantcast

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

These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
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

Emirates Airline hosted members of UAE Team Emirates XRG at its Group Headquarters, marking the team's successful season in international cycling.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon has announced that its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino recognized its September High Flyers for their outstanding commitment to the company's 16 Leadership Principles.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon announced that employees at its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino participated in the 2025 Pink on Parade for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Oct 28, 2025

The ShebaMiles loyalty program, operated by Ethiopian Airlines for over 26 years, has more than 5.38 million members and offers four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Oct 28, 2025

Long Beach Airport has entered into a 30-year lease agreement with JetZero, Inc., a company focused on next-generation aircraft design.

Oct 28, 2025

Passengers planning summer travel for 2026 can now book flights with Lufthansa Group Airlines, which has released its schedule featuring new destinations and increased frequencies.

Oct 28, 2025