American Airlines Flight Diverted to Detroit After In-Flight Disturbance

An American Airlines flight traveling from New York City to Chicago was diverted to Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Sunday following a reported disturbance on board, according to local and federal officials.

Authorities from the Wayne County Airport Authority Police and the FBI responded to the incident after flight 2819, which departed John F. Kennedy Airport just before 9 a.m. EST, was redirected to Detroit. The flight landed safely at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Michigan approximately two hours after takeoff. Law enforcement and medical personnel met the aircraft upon arrival, and the passenger involved in the disturbance deplaned, an American Airlines spokesperson confirmed.

Passengers described a chaotic scene at 30,000 feet, with some reporting that an individual onboard made threatening statements, including possible references to a bomb, prompting fears among those on the plane. However, the FBI, whose Detroit field office was present at the scene, stated there was no threat to the public, though they did not elaborate on the specifics of the threat or confirm any arrests.

After several hours on the ground in Detroit, the affected flight resumed its journey and arrived at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago just before 7 p.m., according to flight tracking data.

The FBI and airport authorities continue to investigate the incident. It remains unclear whether the individual responsible for the disruption was taken into custody, and officials have not released further details about the nature of the threat.