Suspicious Jordanian Boards Flight with Canceled Ticket, Prompting Evacuation

Qais Ahmad Tillawi cleared security despite issues with his boarding pass, leading to a tense situation on the plane.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:07am

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A 'suspicious' Jordanian national named Qais Ahmad Tillawi was somehow able to board an international Air France flight in Phoenix, Arizona despite having a canceled ticket and a flagged boarding pass. Tillawi's bizarre behavior on the plane, including refusing to take his seat and passing around the aircraft, prompted the flight to be evacuated by police.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious questions about airport security protocols and the potential risks posed by individuals with mental health issues being able to access flights. It also highlights the need for improved coordination between airlines, law enforcement, and mental health services to prevent such situations from occurring.

The details

Tillawi, a former Arizona State University student, had previously been committed to a mental health hospital after an earlier airport arrest. He was able to obtain a boarding pass despite his ticket being canceled due to an 'unauthorized credit card.' Once on the plane, Tillawi refused to take his seat and instead paced the aircraft, leading an Air France passenger to report his suspicious behavior to an employee. Tillawi's boarding pass had been flagged, but he was still allowed to board the plane, with the Air France representative admitting she only checked one of multiple passenger lists and did not see his name. When Tillawi refused the captain's orders to get off the plane, police were called and the flight was evacuated, with Tillawi being the last to be removed.

  • On January 29, 2026, Tillawi boarded the 3:50 p.m. Air France Flight to Paris.
  • In 2024, Tillawi was detained at Dubai Airport for acting suspiciously and refusing to speak to law enforcement, and was temporarily committed to a hospital there for mental health treatment.

The players

Qais Ahmad Tillawi

A Jordanian national who was able to board an international flight in Phoenix, Arizona despite having a canceled ticket and a flagged boarding pass. Tillawi has a history of mental health issues, including a previous commitment to a mental health hospital.

Air France

The airline operating the flight that Tillawi boarded in Phoenix.

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What they’re saying

“Send the USA marshal.”

— Qais Ahmad Tillawi (FBI affidavit)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Qais Ahmad Tillawi out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for improved airport security protocols and better coordination between airlines, law enforcement, and mental health services to prevent individuals with mental health issues from accessing flights and potentially endangering public safety.