Mid-flight disruptions can be challenging for flight crews, but one recent incident aboard a Fiji Airways flight FJ871 from San Francisco to Nadi on January 18, 2025, escalated to an extreme level.
A 69-year-old Australian woman’s erratic behavior led to flight attendants using duct tape to restrain her after she allegedly made racist slurs and caused a disturbance throughout the 11-hour flight.
A Chaotic Flight Experience
According to a fellow passenger, the incident began around the halfway point of the flight when the woman, reportedly intoxicated, started to raise her voice and behave aggressively.
She began yelling at both passengers and crew members, throwing objects like cups at the flight attendants, and even slapping one of their hands when confronted.
Her behavior escalated when her husband, seated elsewhere, requested a seat change to avoid her. However, the altercation began when the crew refused to disclose his new location.
As the woman’s behavior worsened, flight attendants were forced to move her to the back of the plane, but the disruptive conduct continued throughout the remainder of the flight.
Racist Remarks Escalate the Situation
As reported by News.com.au, the woman’s outbursts were not only profane but also allegedly racist. She made insulting remarks towards the Fijian crew members, prompting passengers to call out for her to stop the offensive language.
In one instance, the woman was heard shouting, “I have done nothing wrong. You ugly people—get your hands off of me.”
Her behavior upset many fellow passengers, especially parents who shielded their children’s ears from the vulgar language.
The situation reached its peak when the crew, struggling to contain the woman’s disruptive actions, resorted to using duct tape to cover her mouth in an attempt to silence her.
The woman continued her outbursts despite being moved to the back of the plane.
Arrest and Charges Upon Arrival
When the flight landed in Nadi on Monday, January 20, the woman was met by local law enforcement. According to the Fiji Police, she was arrested and charged under the Fiji Civil Aviation Act for being an unruly passenger.
It was confirmed that she had been intoxicated and caused a nuisance during the flight.
Fiji Airways issued a statement confirming their cooperation with local authorities as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident. The airline emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew is paramount and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for any threatening behavior.
Legal Consequences and Resolution
Following her arrest, the woman appeared in the Nadi Magistrate Court, where she was fined USD 345 (approx. 466.82 SGD) for her disruptive conduct.
After paying the fine, the stop-departure order was lifted, allowing her to continue her journey. The case was discharged, and the woman was cleared for departure confirmed by the Fiji Police.
This incident sheds light on the serious consequences of unruly flight behavior, as airlines can remove disruptive passengers and prevent them from continuing their journey.
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