American Airlines Flight Diverted To Tulsa After Passenger Threatened Flight Staff, Police Say

More than 100 American Airlines passengers found themselves unexpectedly in Tulsa one night after police said another passenger disrupted the flight and made threats toward staff.

The airport typically helps many people to get from point A to point B, like Yatziri Norato, who was on her way to get married in Morocco.

“It's four different flights that I have to take to get over there,” she said. 

Being stuck in the air, for any amount of time, can come with its concerns. On Sept. 3, 2024, American Airlines flight 173 was headed from Milwaukee to Dallas, but it landed in Tulsa because of an unruly passenger. 

A Tulsa airport police report said Bengamin Kueng was caught vaping by a flight attendant. 

“I would be absolutely terrified and concerned for my safety, not just my safety but for those around me. That is such a scary situation that I wouldn't want anyone to go through,” Norato said. 

After being asked to stop, witnesses told police Kueng became verbally aggressive toward flight staff and began making threats on the plane. Other travelers said they appreciate what flight attendants have to deal with.

“They are there to help and when things escalate, they are there to de-escalate them. Unfortunately, sometimes those situations can get out of hand,” said Leon Benjamin. 

After the flight landed, Keung was removed from the plane and taken to the airport police department. Airport Police said Keung smelled like alcohol and his speech was heavily slurred. He was arrested for public intoxication and interfering with a police officer. 

The other passengers made it to Dallas a few hours later.

“Hearing that now, and I'm about to travel, I'm just you know praying that that doesn't happen,” said Norato. 

Keung was booked into the Tulsa County Jail that evening. 

American Airlines released a statement thanking their team on that flight for their professionalism, and apologizing to customers for the inconvenience.