United Flight Returns to Newark 3 Hours Into 10-Hour Trip Due to Unruly Passenger

A United flight that took off from Newark airport early Sunday turned around and returned to New Jersey three hours into the trip to Israel due to a disruptive passenger.

While waiting to use a bathroom, the man sat in a seat reserved for flight attendants and refused to move when asked by a crew member, according to YNetNews.com. He then argued with flight attendants.

The man was escorted off the plane when it arrived back in Newark, the news outlet said.

“United flight 90 traveling from Newark to Tel Aviv returned to Newark shortly after takeoff due to a disruptive passenger,” United Airlines said in a statement. “Law enforcement met the aircraft and removed the passenger. A new flight was scheduled to depart Sunday evening.”

United flight 90 departed from Newark at 12:48 a.m. Sunday and was back at the airport at 6:28 a.m, according to FlightAware.com. The flight was already about two hours behind schedule when it left, having originally been slated to take off at 10:55 p.m.

Passengers were booked onto a flight for late Sunday.

A Port Authority police spokeswoman said Tuesday she was checking for further information.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at [email protected].

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