A flight from Bergen to Bodø in Northern Norway on Sunday had to turn around and land back in Bergen, after an intoxicated passenger went amok on board. He finally was wrestled to the floor by crew and fellow passengers on board, and tied up until he could be turned over to police.
“I’ve never had a worse flight in my life,” one passenger who asked to remain anonymous told state broadcaster NRK on Monday, “but I have great respect for the job done by (domestic airline) Widerøe and other passengers.”
She said the man was loud and appeared drunk during boarding procedures but “seemed to be in good humour. He joked and laughed with other passengers.” When he was denied more drinks on board, however, he became “more and more aggressive,” frightening everyone when he threatened others and started to run towards the cockpit door to confront the captain.
“Fortunately a crew member was there and managed to stop him,” the passenger said. Widerøe officials later confirmed that the cockpit door remained locked during the entire drama, with the captain warning that he’d have to return to Bergen if the man didn’t calm down.
He didn’t, with other passengers confirming that he threatened several of them and the cabin crew before he was finally subdued. He now faces criminal charges after spending the night in police custody, along with a large compensation claim from the airline.
newsinenglish.no staff
