A Delta Air Lines passenger was removed from a flight at Miami International Airport on Monday (April 27) after refusing to end a phone call before takeoff, causing a delay and frustration among other travelers. The incident happened on Delta Flight 1323, which was scheduled to fly from Miami to Atlanta.
According to a statement from Delta shared with Fox News, flight crew members repeatedly asked the passenger to hang up while the plane was taxiing. However, the passenger did not comply and became disruptive, prompting the crew to return the plane to the gate. The airline said, “The safety of our customers and crew comes before all else, and Delta has zero tolerance for disruptive behavior.”
Video posted to social media shows other passengers becoming increasingly upset with the delay, with some chanting, “Get off the plane,” and others urging the passenger to be considerate. One traveler was heard saying, “So we’re all supposed to listen and he doesn’t?”
After the passenger was removed from the aircraft, all travelers were informed that everyone would need to deplane. The flight eventually departed about an hour later than its original schedule.
Federal regulations require passengers to follow crew instructions. The Department of Transportation notes that failure to comply may result in civil penalties of up to $13,910 for interfering with crew duties.
Delta apologized to customers for the inconvenience and delay. It is unclear if the removed passenger was arrested. The flight arrived safely in Atlanta after the delay.
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