A Southwest Airlines flight to Hawaii became total mayhem when travelers and team members were required to separate a midair battle in between 2 tourists on Monday.
The 2 males started a physical run-in about an hour after launch from California's Oakland International Airport to Kauai Island's Lihue Airport, airline company authorities informed Hawaii News Now.
“I heard screaming, shouting and punches. I reversed and saw one male bleeding and after that the other male being separated,” Southwest Flight 1288 guest Jim Wieder informed the outlet.
Video from the occurrence reveals a male in a gray hoodie approaching another guy at his seat, who slaps him in the arm. The guy in the gray then starts mauling the other guest, landing numerous punches to the face before being separated by flight attendants and other tourists.
A lady and a male in a blue hoodie, later on determined as “Dan,” deescalated the scenario by calmly talking to the aggressive guy and preserving eye contact while physically pulling him away.
“Those are my moms and dads. Small company owners on Kauai. Really kind individuals and really enjoyed by their devoted residents on the west side of [the] island,” a source informed Kauai Airbnb, the initial uploaders of the video.
The owner of the Instagram page likewise composed that “obviously some alcohol and possibly some infraction of individual area” added to the battle.
ASSOCIATED VIDEO — Brawl Breaks Out at Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
Chicago Critter/LOCAL NEWS X/ TMX
“Frankly, I was a little anxious since we're 35,000 feet and you've got 2 guys swinging at each other, that makes no sense whatsoever,” Wieder stated.
The aircraft continued its flight course to Kauai, another witness informed the outlet.
“We applaud our Crew and Customers for their professionalism in [defusing] this scenario,” a Southwest authorities stated in a declaration. “The flight landed securely at its set up location, and regional authorities fulfilled the flight upon arrival.”
While both guys were apprehended after they landed, it is uncertain if they will deal with any charges.
The U.S. Department of Transportation published a pointer on X that violent air tourists might deal with prosecution and a $37,000 fine.
Suggestion: Our department has absolutely no tolerance for violent or rowdy habits aboard an airplane. If you act out on an aircraft, you can deal with prosecution and fines approximately $37,000. https://t.co/OWrtUYcHr4
— U.S. Department of Transportation (@USDOT) February 13, 2024
