Crisis on New York Flight: Bit and Kicked a Cabin Crew Member

An incident occurred on September 8 on United Airlines flight number 18 from Milan, Italy, to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, USA. It was alleged that 37‑year‑old Russian citizen Kristina Kedysheva, traveling first class, argued with the cabin crew after requesting more alcoholic beverages during the flight and her request was not met.

Cabin Crew Intervened

According to court documents, Kedysheva did not return to her seat despite the seat‑belt warning and began filming the cabin crew with her cell phone. It was alleged that she resisted the crew's intervention, bit a cabin crew member's wrist, and kicked another crew member.

One Crew Member Was Injured

According to the allegations in the documents, Kedysheva kicked a crew member in the abdomen while her legs were being restrained. It was stated that the crew member was injured on the shoulder during the intervention and required medical attention. A total of five crew members and passengers were reported to have intervened to bring the incident under control.

Before the incident escalated further, a passenger reported seeing Kedysheva moving toward the aircraft's rear door. The witness could not confirm whether she was attempting to open the door and subsequently intervened. Kedysheva denied the accusations that she later approached the door and threatened the crew.

Plane Directed to Maine

After the events, the aircraft's captain decided to land at Bangor International Airport in Maine instead of the planned arrival in Newark. After the plane safely touched down on the runway, law enforcement arrived at the aircraft and Kedysheva was taken into custody. Following the passenger's removal from the plane, it was reported that the flight would continue to Newark.

"I Consumed Three Alcoholic Drinks" He Said

It was reported that Kedysheva told investigators she had gone to New York for a friend's 40th birthday celebration. She admitted consuming three alcoholic beverages in the first few hours of the flight. However, she claimed the responsibility for the incident lay with the cabin crew and stated she had bitten no one.

He Denied the Accusations

Kedysheva maintained that she did not threaten the crew during the investigation, did not attempt to open the aircraft's door, and did not bite any crew member. She said she could not recall some aspects of the physical altercation, but she did not entirely rule out the possibility of scratching or fighting.

Facing Two Separate Accusations

There are allegations of interference with and assault on the flight crew against Kedysheva. It was reported that she was brought before a federal court in Maine on September 9. It was stated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Statement from United Airlines

United Airlines confirmed that Flight 18 was safely diverted to Bangor due to an 'incongruous passenger'. The company announced that law enforcement intervened after the aircraft landed and that the passenger in question was removed from the plane.