First-Class Passenger Accused of Attacking Flight Attendants After Being Denied More Alcohol

A United Airlines flight was diverted to Maine after a first-class passenger allegedly became aggressive when flight attendants refused to serve her more alcohol.

Flight UA18 was travelling from Milan to Newark on September 8 when the incident occurred. The aircraft was diverted to Bangor International Airport so the passenger could be removed from the flight.

The passenger was identified in US media reports as 37-year-old Russian citizen Kristina Kedysheva. She is facing charges of interfering with a flight crew and assault.

According to a criminal complaint, Kedysheva had already consumed several alcoholic drinks when crew members decided not to serve her any more. A crew member described her as appearing intoxicated and said she became confrontational after being refused additional alcohol.

The complaint alleges that Kedysheva left her seat and resisted attempts by crew members and passengers to restrain her. She reportedly began filming members of the cabin crew during the confrontation.

Passengers who witnessed the incident said they heard a commotion and calls for assistance. Several passengers subsequently helped crew members restrain Kedysheva.

According to the complaint, Kedysheva allegedly bit one flight attendant on the wrist and kicked another crew member in the upper stomach while they were attempting to restrain her.

The captain then diverted the aircraft to Bangor, where US Customs and Border Protection officers detained Kedysheva after the plane landed. The flight later continued to Newark.

During an interview with investigators, Kedysheva acknowledged drinking three alcoholic beverages during the flight. She denied threatening anyone, attempting to open an aircraft door or biting a flight attendant, although she said she did not remember all aspects of the confrontation.

United Airlines confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in Bangor to deal with an unruly passenger and that law enforcement removed the passenger from the flight.

The allegations against Kedysheva are contained in the criminal complaint and witness accounts. The charges remain allegations, and the case will proceed through the US legal system.