Maui Bound Flight Resumes After Disruptive Passenger Is Returned To Portland

By Wendy Osher

A mainland flight bound for Maui Wednesday morning turned around after take off because of a disruptive passenger aboard the plane.

The Hawaiian Airlines Flight was en route from Portland to Maui when the incident occurred. Hawaiian Airlines spokesman Keoni Wagner said the crew called ahead to law enforcement advising them that the passenger in question was not following crew instructions and was being uncooperative with crew members.  The plane was about 90 minutes into the flight when it returned to Portland under the escort of armed fighter jets.

The passenger and a traveling companion both got off the flight when the plane returned to Portland.

According to Wagner, the person was subsequently interviewed by the FBI and was reportedly released without any charges.

After the disruptive passenger deplaned, the flight resumed to Maui and was scheduled to arrive at around 6:50 Wednesday evening.

Wagner said incidents requiring such action occur occasionally. “We’re pretty cautious. If there’s any question about safety, the pilot has the discretion to make a judgment call.”

Media reports out of Portland’s KPTV identified the man in question as a 56-year-old Salem man.