WATCH: Mansfield native steps in on Frontier flight, restrains man trying mid-air exit on Chicago-bound plane
A Frontier Airlines flight from Puerto Rico to Chicago was diverted to Miami on Sunday night after a passenger reportedly attempted to open an emergency exit door mid-flight. The incident triggered panic onboard and prompted passengers to step in and restrain him, according to a post by Breaking Aviation News & Videos on X.
The incident involved Frontier Airlines Flight 3345, which was travelling from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Chicago O’Hare International Airport when the crew reported a passenger disturbance mid-journey.
The X post shared video footage of passengers intervening as the situation escalated, describing how travelers restrained a man who allegedly tried “to open an emergency exit door in an attempt to jump off the plane mid-flight.”
FAA confirms diversion to Miami
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft was diverted to Miami International Airport at approximately 11:55 pm local time after the crew reported an onboard disturbance.
The agency said the flight landed safely in Miami and noted that the incident remains under preliminary review, meaning details may be updated as investigators gather more information.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
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Frontier Airlines says passenger removed by authorities
Frontier Airlines, in a statement, confirmed that Flight 3345 had to be diverted due to an unruly passenger.
“On Sunday, May 31, a passenger on Flight 3345 from San Juan to Chicago O’Hare became disruptive and the flight was diverted to Miami,” the airline said. It added: “Law enforcement boarded the aircraft in Miami and removed the passenger and the flight subsequently continued on to Chicago a few hours later.”
Neither Frontier nor federal authorities have released the identity of the passenger or further details about the nature of the disturbance.
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Reports suggest attempted exit at cruising altitude
According to aviation reporting cited by Simply Flying, the situation escalated when a passenger allegedly attempted to open a cabin door during cruise altitude, reportedly around 36,000 feet, in an apparent attempt to jump from the aircraft.
While aircraft doors cannot be opened mid-flight due to cabin pressure systems, such actions are treated as severe safety threats and typically require immediate intervention from crew and passengers.
Footage circulating online shows passengers restraining the individual until the aircraft could be safely diverted.
The FAA has reported more than 640 unruly passenger incidents so far this year. The agency can impose civil penalties of up to $43,658 per violation, along with potential criminal prosecution for passengers who interfere with crew or endanger flight safety.