Delta Flight Forced to Turn Around After Passenger Attacks Others

The unruly passenger attempted to access the cockpit, according to witnesses.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A Delta Airlines flight from Houston to Atlanta was forced to turn around and make an emergency landing after a passenger became unruly and began assaulting fellow passengers. One victim, John Lemastus, said the incident began about thirty minutes into the flight, with the unidentified man punching him three times before attacking another passenger. It took seven people to subdue the man, who reportedly attempted to access the cockpit, though Delta denied this claim. The plane returned to the airport, and police later led the man off in handcuffs.

Why it matters

Incidents of unruly passenger behavior on flights have become an increasing concern for airlines and law enforcement, raising questions about passenger safety, security protocols, and the need for better de-escalation training for flight crews.

The details

According to witnesses, the unidentified male passenger became aggressive and violent about 30 minutes into the Delta flight from Houston to Atlanta. He punched passenger John Lemastus three times in the head without provocation, then moved to the back of the plane and began attacking another passenger. It took seven people to physically restrain the man, who was then zip-tied by the crew. Witnesses reported that the man appeared to be attempting to access the cockpit, though Delta denied this claim.

  • The incident began about 30 minutes into the flight from Houston to Atlanta.

The players

John Lemastus

A passenger on the Delta flight who was assaulted by the unruly man.

Delta Airlines

The airline operating the flight from Houston to Atlanta that was forced to turn around due to the passenger incident.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just sitting there, and a guy walks aggressively by me and aggressively back, and he bumps into my shoulder and starts wailing on my head. He punched me three times and then walked back and then started attacking another gentleman behind me.”

— John Lemastus, Passenger (11Alive)

“No words, no nothing, never seen the gentleman before in my life. He started screaming at the gentleman behind me, kind of like in tongues, and everyone assumed he was just kind of not mentally there.”

— John Lemastus, Passenger (11Alive)

What’s next

The unidentified passenger was arrested by police upon the plane's return to the airport. The incident will likely be investigated further by Delta and law enforcement to determine if any charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing problem of unruly passenger behavior on flights, which can endanger the safety of other travelers and crew members. It underscores the need for airlines to have robust security protocols and de-escalation training to handle such situations effectively.