A flight was forced to evacuate after a “crazed passenger” issued threats outside the cockpit.
The man sprang from seat 24D while the plane was preparing for take-off and stood at the front, addressing fellow passengers in an apparently threatening manner.
Dressed in a beige baseball cap and black T-shirt, he reportedly said: “I’m doing this for you.”
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The passenger, who still had the price tag on his travel case, added: “I will remember all of you, I’m going to go find you.”
Although he did not claim to be carrying any weapons, several passengers – including a pregnant woman – became distressed.
The plane, Avianca flight 8579 from Palonegro International Airport in Bucaramanga to Bogotá, Colombia, was delayed for over an hour yesterday (31 Aug).
Colombian actress Katherine Porto, 48, was on board, as reported by Need To Know.
She said: “He got on the plane, saying it wasn’t convenient for us to have him on the plane with us.
“He said he wanted to see his family, and if we wanted to see ours, we shouldn’t let him travel with us.
“He said we should decide if he stays on the plane or gets off.”
She added: “He then threatened us, and we were kept on the plane.”
Following safety protocols, the crew delayed takeoff and waited for the police to arrive.
Several travellers grabbed their belongings and tried to leave before officers boarded.
Once security arrived, the Avianca crew evacuated all passengers.
Airline officials then organised alternative flights to Bogotá.
The suspect was detained at the scene and taken to a medical centre for a mental health evaluation.
Police confirmed he was not carrying a weapon.
The Bucaramanga Metropolitan Police said he was detained for causing panic in a public space.
The airline has yet to issue an official statement, and the investigation into the incident continues.
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