PUBLISHED ONSeptember 16, 2026 9:46 AMBYLim KeweiA United Airlines flight descended into chaos after a first-class passenger who was denied more alcohol allegedly kicked and bit several flight attendants.
Flight UA18 from Milan to Newark on Sept 8 was diverted to Maine to offboard the unruly passenger, identified by media reports as a woman named Kristina Kedysheva.
According to US magazine People, Kedysheva was travelling in first class and had consumed several alcoholic drinks during the flight.
The woman, who was described by a crew member as appearing intoxicated, allegedly became aggressive when flight attendants refused to serve her more alcohol.
Another passenger reportedly told investigators that Kedysheva had approached a rear aircraft door, though it was unclear whether she intended to open it.
Cabin crew members then determined she needed to be restrained, but Kedysheva allegedly put up a struggle and resisted attempts to place her in restraints.
Fellow passengers Alyssa and Alex Suder told Yahoo News they had heard a commotion and flight attendants calling for help.
The Suders and two other passengers subsequently held down Kedysheva, who was described as "actively kicking, trying to bite".
The aircraft was subsequently diverted so Kedysheva could be removed from the flight.
The Suders claimed that the crew was trying to situate Kedysheva in a seat when she kicked a flight attendant and bit the wrist of another.
"The flight attendant was literally in the other passenger's lap," Alex Suder told Yahoo News.
Kedysheva was arrested upon landing. She has been charged with interfering with a flight crew and assault.
The aircraft later continued to its original destination of Newark.
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