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NEW YORK- Federal investigators, FBI have filed criminal charges against a Business Class passenger whose disruptive behavior forced an American Airlines (AA) flight from New York (JFK) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) to make an emergency landing in Anchorage (ANC), Alaska on January 5, 2025.
Robert Solesky faces federal charges of interfering with flight crew members aboard American Airlines flight AA167, an offense carrying potential penalties of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Photo: Clément AlloingAmerican Airlines Unruly Passenger
FBI documentation reveals that flight attendants reported escalating concerns about Solesky’s intoxicated state during the planned 14-hour transpacific journey, PYOK flagged.
Crew members observed Solesky struggling to access the Business Class lavatory approximately eight hours into the flight. The situation intensified when Solesky began creating loud disturbances inside the restroom, with the noise penetrating the cockpit.
When a flight attendant attempted to assist him, Solesky allegedly responded with physical aggression, grabbing the crew member’s uniform lapels.
The flight crew implemented immediate safety protocols, instructing Solesky to remain seated and restricting his access to the forward lavatory. Court documents state that Solesky defied these directives, making multiple unauthorized attempts to reach the aircraft’s front section.
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft, registered as N840AN operating on the 11,000-mile route between New York’s JFK Airport and Tokyo Haneda, diverted to Anchorage following Solesky’s continued non-compliance with crew instructions. Law enforcement personnel in Anchorage took Solesky into custody upon landing.
The FBI’s affidavit details the severity of the incident, emphasizing how Solesky’s actions compromised cabin safety and necessitated the costly and time-consuming diversion.
This case joins a growing number of incidents involving disruptive passenger behavior on international flights, prompting increased scrutiny from aviation authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Photo: American AirlinesCaptain’s Intervention
The severity of Robert Solesky’s disruptive behavior prompted the aircraft’s Captain to personally intervene, leaving the cockpit to discuss the situation with Solesky’s wife. In an unusual development, Solesky’s wife supported the Captain’s suggestion of diverting the flight to remove her husband.
Flight documentation reveals a pattern of persistent non-compliance, with Solesky repeatedly attempting to access the aircraft’s forward section despite explicit instructions to remain seated and use rear lavatories. Family members aboard the flight attempted to physically restrain Solesky and guide him back to his seat multiple times.
The Captain executed the diversion decision as the aircraft approached the Bering Sea, altering course toward Anchorage. Law enforcement officials expedited Solesky’s removal from the aircraft upon landing, while investigators collected statements from crew members and witnesses before clearing the flight to resume its journey to Tokyo.
The incident resulted in a three-hour delay for the remaining passengers. Solesky’s wife informed investigators about traveling with his cousins, acknowledging their collective inability to manage his behavior for the flight’s duration.
Beyond the criminal charges, Solesky faces potential civil litigation from American Airlines seeking compensation for diversion-related costs. These expenses typically include additional fuel consumption, crew overtime, airport fees, and passenger accommodation arrangements.
Photo: Clément AlloingSimilar Incidents
Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in disruptive passenger incidents across multiple airlines, causing significant operational disruptions and passenger inconvenience.
JetBlue Airways flight B6209 encountered disruption on December 11, 2024, shortly after departing New York JFK for Santo Domingo.
The second incident unfolded the following day when an unruly passenger disrupted Spirit Airlines flight NK1317 during its taxi phase at Pittsburgh International Airport, delaying its departure to Tampa.
A more severe incident occurred aboard an Aeroflot flight between Dubai and Moscow in December 2024, where an intoxicated passenger attempted to breach an aircraft window during the flight, necessitating an emergency landing.
The pattern continued into 2025 when an EasyJet service from Antalya to London Gatwick diverted to Bari, Italy, on January 1 due to disruptive behavior from a teenage passenger. The situation required immediate intervention and resulted in schedule disruptions for the remaining passengers.
Most recently, Hong Kong International Airport authorities arrested two women following a disturbance aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX581 arriving from Sapporo. The incident, occurring on a Monday (Jan 6, 2025) night flight, represents the latest in this concerning trend of passenger misconduct.
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