American Airlines Passenger Restrained After Attempting to Barge into Cockpit on Delayed Flight from Brazil to New York (video)

The unruly passenger was tackled to the floor

A dramatic security incident unfolded aboard an American Airlines flight at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport on April 24, when a female passenger attempted to force her way into the cockpit of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner scheduled to depart for New York’s JFK Airport. The event caused panic among passengers and led to a delay of over two hours.

Video footage from inside the aircraft captured the chaotic moment the cockpit door was open and flight attendants were visibly struggling to secure it. As the crew worked to shut the door, a well-dressed, middle-aged woman from the first-class cabin suddenly approached and attempted to enter the cockpit.

Shocking footage captures the moment an American Airlines passenger tries to storm the cockpit.

The confrontation quickly escalated as a crew member confronted the woman, repeatedly instructing her to “get out.” The situation turned physical when the crew member tackled the passenger to the ground after a heated exchange. Another flight attendant assisted in restraining her and escorted her back to her seat in first class, while stunned passengers watched the scene unfold. One visibly angry passenger stood up from his seat and shouted at the woman, demanding an explanation for her behavior.

Suddenly, a second passenger stands up and yells at the woman.

According to witness accounts, the woman’s outburst was reportedly triggered by frustration over the delayed departure. Following the confrontation, the aircraft returned to the gate where both the disruptive woman and another involved passenger were handed over to Brazilian police authorities.

American Airlines flight AA950 was originally scheduled to depart for New York but was delayed by over two hours due to the incident. The airline later confirmed that the flight returned to the gate because of a “safety issue on board” and emphasized its commitment to customer and employee safety. The aircraft eventually departed at 12:55 a.m. local time.

Both passengers were removed from the flight by police.

The incident adds to a growing list of in-flight altercations. In a separate case last month, two passengers on a flight to Bali were filmed engaging in a physical altercation over a reclined seat. Additionally, an easyJet flight was forced to make an emergency landing after two families clashed over a boy watching The Karate Kid on his iPad, leading to allegations of racial abuse and physical assault.