Arizona man indicted over American Airlines flight disturbance and diversion

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Published: October 15, 2026

1 source

Occurred: 1mo ago

First reported by: Paddle Your Own Kanoo

American AirlinesLayne LundeenFederal prosecutorsU.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of MarylandDallas-Fort Worth International AirportNewark Liberty International AirportBaltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

In brief

Layne Lundeen was federally indicted over an alleged assault and interference with crew on American Airlines Flight 618, which diverted to Baltimore on September 3.

Sources disagree

Factual claims where reporting sources diverge. Treat with care until confirmed by the primary investigator or regulator.

Lundeen's release terms
Paddle Your Own KanooKTAR.com

Layne Lundeen, a 67-year-old Tucson, Arizona, resident, has been indicted on federal charges arising from an alleged disturbance aboard American Airlines Flight 618. The flight, traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark on September 3, diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after the onboard confrontation. Passengers and crew restrained Lundeen in a first-class seat with zip ties and duct tape, and law enforcement took him into custody after the aircraft landed.

The federal case concerns alleged interference with flight crew members and assault. Prosecutors…

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