Passengers on Trans-Atlantic Flight Sleep in Airport After Plane Diverted
United Airlines flight from Rome to Chicago diverted due to unruly passenger.
— -- Passengers aboard a United Airlines flight from Rome to Chicago probably didn’t anticipate being stranded at a Belfast airport for nearly a day.
Flight UA917 was diverted to Belfast International Airport on Saturday because of an unruly passenger, said United Airlines spokesperson Karen May. The plane landed shortly after 7 p.m. local time and the 42-year-old dual American and Italian national was to be charged with disruptive behavior on board an aircraft and common assault, according to the Belfast International Airport Constabulary.
No details were released about what he allegedly did. He was set to appear in court Monday.
May said the flight was supposed to depart from Belfast that same day but the crew members had reached their maximum duty time. The airline eventually canceled the flight.
The 269 remaining passengers slept in the airport since there were no available hotels rooms nearby, said May. They were scheduled to leave Belfast at 4 p.m. local time today.
During their stay at the airport, the passengers were given food and blankets.
May said United Airlines would refund the passengers and give them the option of a travel certificate or MileagePlus miles.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.