A United Airlines flight from Italy to New Jersey was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Maine after a first-class passenger allegedly became violent when flight attendants refused to serve her more alcohol.
The incident happened Sept. 8 aboard United Airlines Flight 18 from Milan to Newark Liberty International Airport, according to a federal criminal complaint.
The passenger was identified as 37-year-old Russian citizen Kristina Kedysheva.
The FBI was alerted around 11:40 a.m. after receiving a report that a female passenger was refusing to comply with crew instructions and allegedly assaulting flight attendants.
According to the complaint, Kedysheva was sitting in first class near the front of the plane and had already been served multiple alcoholic drinks.
Crew members said she became loud and aggressive after being told she would not be served any more alcohol.
Kedysheva allegedly got out of her seat and refused orders to remain seated with her seat belt fastened.
She then began filming the flight crew, according to investigators.
Flight attendants eventually decided she needed to be restrained.
But when crew members and other passengers tried to help restrain her, Kedysheva allegedly fought back.
One flight attendant told investigators that Kedysheva was taken to the floor and then allegedly turned and bit her on the wrist while the crew member was trying to control her arm.
The flight attendant also said Kedysheva kicked her in the upper stomach while she was trying to secure the passenger’s legs.
The kick allegedly caused the flight attendant to fall and injure her shoulder.
Another crew member said Kedysheva appeared intoxicated and approached the flight deck four separate times asking for more alcohol.
One passenger told law enforcement that, before the confrontation, Kedysheva moved close to a rear aircraft door.
The passenger said they were unsure whether she was trying to open it but grabbed her because they were concerned.
Kedysheva then allegedly began yelling as the crew moved in to restrain her.
The disturbance became serious enough that the captain diverted the flight to Bangor International Airport in Maine.
The aircraft landed safely, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers detained Kedysheva after the plane arrived.
Kedysheva later told investigators she was traveling to New York for a friend’s 40th birthday party.
She allegedly admitted drinking three alcoholic beverages over several hours but denied doing anything wrong.
According to the complaint, she blamed a female flight attendant for the confrontation.
Kedysheva denied trying to reach for an aircraft door, threatening crew members or biting anyone.
She also said she did not remember scratching or fighting anyone, although she acknowledged it was possible.
United Airlines confirmed that Flight 18 landed safely in Bangor because of an “unruly passenger.”
Law enforcement met the plane after landing, and the passenger was removed.
Kedysheva now faces one count of interference with a flight crew and one count of assault.
Her attorney has been contacted for comment.
Stupidity personified