A Delta Air Lines flight from Seattle to Taiwan was made an emergency landing in Alaska after a passenger allegedly hurled racial slurs at flight attendants and triggered what the crew classified as a serious in‑flight security incident, according to federal authorities.
Malcom Martin was arrested when the aircraft touched down in Anchorage on Saturday and charged with interfering with flight crew members – a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
An affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for Alaska describes a confrontation that escalated so rapidly that the cockpit door was locked, and the pilots coordinated with Delta’s corporate office before diverting the aircraft.
The disturbance reportedly began around 7.25 pm on 14 March, while Delta Flight 69 was over the Pacific Ocean.
According to Alaska News Source, the trouble started near a galley restroom, where a flight attendant was eating a meal. Martin allegedly grabbed the attendant’s shoulder to ask whether the lavatory was occupied. The attendant explained that the lock indicator showed it was in use, but investigators say Martin responded with “disrespectful comments.”
When the restroom became available and Martin returned to the galley, the argument reignited. The attendant told investigators Martin used a racial slur and threatened to fight him when the plane landed.
A second flight attendant said the dispute grew so heated that nearby passengers moved toward the galley to help calm things down. That attendant also retrieved restraints and then repeatedly ordered Martin back to his seat.
Authorities say Martin swung toward the second attendant but did not make contact. No one was struck during the altercation, though the tension was high enough that two pilots classified the situation as a “level three” disturbance – the threshold requiring the cockpit to be secured.
The diversion to Anchorage also required the crew to calculate landing procedures for an overweight aircraft still carrying fuel intended for the long trans‑Pacific route. When the plane reached the gate, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire officers boarded and detained Martin.
Investigators collected several passenger videos. In a brief review, the FBI agent wrote he could see Martin at the galley entrance exchanging heated words, though he did not observe a lunge or swing in the clips he viewed.
Martin was taken to an airport interview room, advised of his rights, and arrested and booked into the Anchorage Correctional Complex.
Delta confirmed the diversion, saying an emergency was declared “as a precautionary measure.”
The airline said the “unruly passenger” was removed upon landing and apologized to travelers for the delay.
“Per our procedures to ensure the safety and security of our customers and people, an unruly passenger was removed from the flight upon diverting to Anchorage. We apologize to our customers onboard for the delay in their travels and thank them for their patience,” Delta said.
