Flight Attendant Punches Man to Protect Passenger During Midair Attack

Aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 221 from Oakland to Portland on February 1, chaos erupted as a man experiencing a “violent medical episode” attacked a female passenger, grabbing her by the hair in the moments before takeoff. The terrifying incident was captured in a viral video that showed a male flight attendant rushing to her defense, punching the man repeatedly until he let go. The flight was ultimately canceled as authorities intervened back on the ground.

Passengers described the man’s erratic behavior before the attack, noting that he had been “saying odd things and rocking back and forth.” The video reveals desperate shouts of “Let go of her hair!” as the flight attendant struggles to free the woman. When prying the man’s hands loose fails, he resorts to striking him in the throat and torso. The woman, visibly shaken, is led to safety while other passengers help restrain the man.

The plane was forced to return to the terminal at Oakland Airport, where police apprehended the attacker. Alaska Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the incident, explaining that the passenger had exhibited behavior consistent with a medical episode that turned violent. The airline praised the crew’s swift response, emphasizing its commitment to keeping passengers safe.

Alaska Airlines banned the man from flying on its network, including its regional partner Horizon Air, following the incident. The company cited the severity of the physical assault in its decision. The airline has had its share of high-profile incidents recently, with mechanical failures and midair disruptions affecting multiple flights over the past year, drawing attention from federal regulators.

This latest incident adds to Alaska Airlines’ ongoing safety challenges. In January 2024, a flight was forced to return to Portland after a door plug blew out midair, causing injuries. A month later, another flight was forced back to Portland due to cabin fumes. Though the airline has praised its crews’ handling of emergencies, the frequency of disruptions has raised questions about operational stability.