Watch CBS News

Southwest Airlines Flight Returns To LAX After Fight Between Passengers

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) - Southwest Airlines says a jetliner on its way to San Francisco returned to Los Angeles International Airport after a fight between two passengers.

Spokeswoman Melissa Ford tells The Associated Press that FBI agents met the plane at the gate and that one person was removed Sunday night.

Ford says the pilot decided to return to LAX because of a "rapidly escalating" situation that culminated in a physical altercation. She did not elaborate but said the two passengers involved weren't traveling together.

Several passengers reported the incident on social media, including one passenger who tweeted she was on board the flight when a male passenger seated behind the alleged victim woman became upset when she reclined her chair.

The passenger who was removed from the flight was detained for questioning. No arrest was immediately made, but the investigation was still underway, said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller.

"The allegations involved the reported assault of a fellow passenger," she added.

Ford says the remaining 136 passengers switched planes and arrived at San Francisco International Airport about five hours behind schedule.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.