Delta 2557 Diverted to Houston After Passenger Assault and Cockpit Attempt
A Delta flight was diverted after a passenger assaulted a man and tried to access the cockpit.
A flight operated by Delta Air Lines was forced to make an emergency landing on Wednesday after an unruly passenger allegedly assaulted a fellow traveller and attempted to approach the cockpit mid-air. Delta Flight 2557, which was bound for Atlanta, was diverted to William P. Hobby Airport roughly 17 minutes after takeoff as the pilot raised an alert with air traffic control.
According to reports, the aircraft was carrying 85 passengers and five crew members when the incident unfolded. The passenger, believed by witnesses to be experiencing a mental health episode, reportedly walked aggressively through the cabin and punched another passenger in the head. Fellow traveller Josh Lemastus said the man appeared disoriented and began shouting before the situation escalated, prompting the crew to intervene and restrain him.
Audio recordings cited in media reports captured the pilot requesting security assistance upon landing, confirming that the cockpit had been secured. The disruptive passenger was placed in handcuffs at the rear of the aircraft, while authorities were asked to medically evaluate the assaulted passenger. Emergency vehicles escorted the plane to the gate where police and paramedics were waiting.
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In a statement, Delta Air Lines said the individual approached the crew but did not gain access to the flight deck. The airline reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward unruly behaviour and apologised to customers for the disruption. The flight later resumed its journey and arrived in Atlanta approximately 90 minutes behind schedule.
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