A Delta Air Lines flight from Seattle to Taipei was forced to make an emergency landing in Anchorage, Alaska, after a passenger allegedly hurled racial slurs at flight attendants and threatened a crew member, according to federal authorities.
Malcom Martin, the passenger involved, was arrested upon landing on Saturday and charged with interfering with flight crew members, a federal offence that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The incident occurred on Delta Flight 69 around 7.25 pm on 14 March while the aircraft was over the Pacific Ocean. According to an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for Alaska, the trouble began near a galley restroom when Martin grabbed a flight attendant's shoulder to ask if the lavatory was occupied. The attendant explained it was in use, but Martin responded with disrespectful comments.
When the restroom became available, the argument reignited. Martin allegedly used a racial slur and threatened to fight the attendant when the plane landed. A second flight attendant intervened, and the situation escalated to the point where the cockpit door was locked and the pilots declared a 'level three' disturbance, requiring the aircraft to be diverted.
No physical contact was made, but the tension was high enough that the pilots coordinated with Delta's corporate office before diverting to Anchorage. Upon landing, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire officers boarded the plane and detained Martin. He was later arrested and booked into the Anchorage Correctional Complex.
Delta confirmed the diversion, stating that an emergency was declared as a precautionary measure. The airline apologised to passengers for the delay and thanked them for their patience. The FBI is investigating the incident, and passenger videos have been collected as evidence.
