An American Airlines flight from New York to Milan was forced to turn around mid-air after a passenger caused a serious disturbance over a meal choice and seating issue. The incident has drawn attention to rising cases of in-flight disruptions and raised concerns about airline safety procedures, especially the absence of air marshals on long-haul international flights.
Flight 198, which departed John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) around 7 p.m. on Monday, was about four hours into its journey across the Atlantic when chaos broke out in the cabin, leading the pilot to make the decision to return to New York.
According to multiple passengers, the situation started when a male passenger became angry after he was not given his preferred meal. The issue escalated when he was also told he could not sit in an exit row with a baby, which goes against airline safety rules.
Eyewitnesses said the man grew increasingly aggressive and uncooperative. “We kind of noticed a scuffle in the back,” said Krystie Tomlinson, one of the passengers. “They were asking around if there were any police officers or Army members, or somebody who could help because there were no air marshals on.”
Passengers were initially told that the plane had to turn back due to “technical issues,” but the truth became obvious when they saw the commotion happening at the back of the aircraft.
What started as a minor argument soon turned into a frightening episode. Tomlinson reported that the passenger charged at the flight attendants and at one point **attempted to storm the cockpit**, raising fears of a more serious threat onboard.
“Apparently, the whole thing started because of a meal choice they didn’t get,” Tomlinson said. “They also wanted to sit in an exit row. They had a baby with them, so they were told no. Those two things pushed the person over the edge.”
Another passenger, Michael Scigliano, said the lack of immediate action was worrying. “The guy was still in the back of the plane unprotected, unrestrained, which was a little bit scary considering we had a plane full of 300 people and there was no air marshal on board.”
The aircraft landed back at JFK at 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Passengers said they had to wait on the plane until authorities arrived to escort the unruly man off. According to a police source, the man was released without criminal charges, further frustrating many who felt endangered by his actions.
Passengers expressed relief to be safely back on the ground but also criticized American Airlines for failing to provide proper support afterward. Scigliano said passengers were left stranded without assistance, food, or hotel vouchers.
Tomlinson, who was traveling with her baby, said she was denied access to the airline lounge for breastfeeding and changing the baby unless she paid $79.
“I asked to use the American Airlines lounge to breastfeed and change. They said you can go in if you pay,” she said.
Passengers were forced to remain in the airport overnight. Their new flight finally took off at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, more than 16 hours after their original departure.
American Airlines later issued a short statement confirming the incident.
“American Airlines flight 198 with service from New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) returned to JFK due to a disruptive passenger. The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we thank our customers for their understanding,” the airline said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it is investigating the incident, adding that it fits a troubling trend of increasing disruptions on commercial flights. In 2024 alone, the FAA recorded more than 1,800 unruly passenger incidents.
Aviation trial attorney Robert Clifford said that while the decision to turn around may have seemed extreme, the pilot likely acted in the best interest of everyone onboard.
“Oftentimes, these are mental health issues. We don’t know all the things that the pilot knows. Maybe the pilot felt, given the circumstances of disruption and the safety of other passengers, it was best to go back,” Clifford said.
Disruptive passengers are becoming a serious safety risk for airlines around the world. Incidents involving aggression, intoxication, refusal to follow crew instructions, and even attempts to enter the cockpit have all been on the rise in recent years.
This incident is likely to increase pressure on American Airlines and other carriers to improve crisis response protocols and passenger support during emergencies. Passengers are also calling for more transparency and better communication in situations like this, where initial explanations don’t reflect the real cause of the disruption.
For the passengers of Flight 198, the ordeal was both stressful and disappointing. Many say they felt abandoned by the airline and are demanding better treatment in the future.
As for the unruly passenger, while he has not been charged, the FAA’s investigation may still result in a civil penalty or a ban from future flights. In recent years, the FAA has increased its efforts to fine passengers who misbehave on planes, with some fines reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
What started as a disagreement over a meal and a seating request turned into a nightmarish journey for over 300 people. The incident on Flight 198 serves as a stark reminder of how fragile in-flight safety can be — and the need for stronger systems to manage disruptions when they arise.
