Violent, disruptive passenger prompts emergency landing in Newfoundland

GANDER, N.L. – RCMP say an American Airlines plane was diverted to Gander, N.L., early Sunday after a passenger became disruptive and violent.

Police say the Boeing 777 was en route from Chicago to London when it made the emergency landing at the Gander International Airport just after midnight.

Const. Sheldon Walsh says the passenger was allegedly intoxicated, cursing and arguing with other passengers and refusing to stay in his seat.

Walsh says the man would not listen to the flight crew and became violent, damaging a plane seat.

The 35-year-old American man is facing charges including causing a disturbance on an aircraft and mischief.

He’ll appear in Gander provincial court on Tuesday for a bail hearing.

The plane continued its journey once the man was removed.