Air travel can be a stressful experience, with long waits, delays, and cramped spaces. But things took a dramatic turn on an American Airlines flight when an elderly woman tried to force her way into the cockpit, sparking a tense confrontation. What was meant to be a routine flight from São Paulo to New York quickly escalated into chaos. The plane had to return to the gate, and passengers were left waiting for over two hours. Here’s how the situation unfolded.
Flight disruption: The woman’s unsettling move
The flight, already delayed, took an unexpected and violent turn when an elderly woman, frustrated by the wait, attempted to approach the cockpit as Flight 950 prepared for takeoff. Her actions immediately raised concern among the flight crew, though her intentions remained unclear.
As she neared the cockpit door, flight attendants quickly intervened. However, the situation escalated when a male flight attendant was seen pushing the woman to the ground to stop her from entering the cockpit. This moment of physical restraint only heightened the tension on board, leading to further intense interactions.
Threats and a shouting match
Watch the video here:
The situation only worsened as the woman continued to resist. According to a report presented by India Today, rather than backing down, she threatened the crew members, reportedly saying, “I will kick them in the ba**s,” as she tried to break free. This shocking display of aggression was just the beginning. Her shouting, laced with insults, quickly filled the cabin as she became more disruptive.
According to the flight magazine Aeroin, as quoted by India Today, the situation didn’t end there. A man sitting in first class began shouting in Portuguese, adding to the confusion and escalating the incident. The woman’s angry outbursts were directed at both the flight attendants and the shouting man. “You son of a b***h, disgusting, you can’t touch me, you don’t know who you’re talking to, you’re going to get screwed. I went to ask why I was late and this (man) threw me out,” she yelled, as she was escorted to the rear of the plane.
Flight returns to gate: Police arrive to handle the situation
Unable to calm the situation, the flight crew decided to return the plane to the gate. The flight, which had been preparing to take off, was delayed further as both the woman and the disruptive man were escorted off the aircraft by local police. The police were called in after the crew’s efforts to manage the situation failed to restore order.
As per the India Today report, in a statement, American Airlines explained the delay: “On Thursday, April 24, American Airlines Flight 950, operating from Sao Paulo (GRU) to New York (JFK), returned to the boarding gate before departure due to a safety problem on board. The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority, and we thank everyone for their understanding.” The incident caused a total delay of two hours and 25 minutes.
The flight finally takes off
Once the disruptive passengers were removed and the situation was resolved, the flight was cleared for takeoff. Despite the intense scene, Flight 950 eventually departed at 12:55 AM local time, more than two hours later than planned.
Flight disruption: The woman’s unsettling move
The flight, already delayed, took an unexpected and violent turn when an elderly woman, frustrated by the wait, attempted to approach the cockpit as Flight 950 prepared for takeoff. Her actions immediately raised concern among the flight crew, though her intentions remained unclear.
As she neared the cockpit door, flight attendants quickly intervened. However, the situation escalated when a male flight attendant was seen pushing the woman to the ground to stop her from entering the cockpit. This moment of physical restraint only heightened the tension on board, leading to further intense interactions.
Threats and a shouting match
Watch the video here:
American Airlines crew members knock down a female passenger who tries to barge into the cockpit just before takeoff to New York.pic.twitter.com/pYLPlOeS9C
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) April 29, 2025
The situation only worsened as the woman continued to resist. According to a report presented by India Today, rather than backing down, she threatened the crew members, reportedly saying, “I will kick them in the ba**s,” as she tried to break free. This shocking display of aggression was just the beginning. Her shouting, laced with insults, quickly filled the cabin as she became more disruptive.
According to the flight magazine Aeroin, as quoted by India Today, the situation didn’t end there. A man sitting in first class began shouting in Portuguese, adding to the confusion and escalating the incident. The woman’s angry outbursts were directed at both the flight attendants and the shouting man. “You son of a b***h, disgusting, you can’t touch me, you don’t know who you’re talking to, you’re going to get screwed. I went to ask why I was late and this (man) threw me out,” she yelled, as she was escorted to the rear of the plane.
Flight returns to gate: Police arrive to handle the situation
Unable to calm the situation, the flight crew decided to return the plane to the gate. The flight, which had been preparing to take off, was delayed further as both the woman and the disruptive man were escorted off the aircraft by local police. The police were called in after the crew’s efforts to manage the situation failed to restore order.
As per the India Today report, in a statement, American Airlines explained the delay: “On Thursday, April 24, American Airlines Flight 950, operating from Sao Paulo (GRU) to New York (JFK), returned to the boarding gate before departure due to a safety problem on board. The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority, and we thank everyone for their understanding.” The incident caused a total delay of two hours and 25 minutes.
The flight finally takes off
Once the disruptive passengers were removed and the situation was resolved, the flight was cleared for takeoff. Despite the intense scene, Flight 950 eventually departed at 12:55 AM local time, more than two hours later than planned.
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