A Fiji Airways flight from San Francisco to Nadi became the scene of chaos when an allegedly intoxicated passenger caused significant disruption, prompting cabin crew to restrain and attempt to duct tape her mouth. The incident occurred on January 20, 2025, aboard flight FJ871, and the woman, believed to be in her 60s, is now in custody in Fiji awaiting a court hearing.
Witnesses reported that the woman, traveling separately from her husband, became irate after crew members refused to disclose her husband’s new seat location. Her behavior escalated, with the woman yelling, using racist and vulgar language, throwing objects, and even slapping a flight attendant’s hand. The disruption caused distress among passengers, particularly families with young children.
Despite the crew relocating her to the back of the plane and warning her about authorities waiting upon landing, the woman continued her abusive behavior for the remainder of the flight. Local law enforcement arrested her on arrival, and she has been charged with being an unruly passenger under Fiji’s Civil Aviation Act.
Fiji Airways issued a statement emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy for threatening behavior and confirmed their cooperation with authorities. The woman is scheduled to appear in Nadi Magistrates Court, where she faces potential fines or imprisonment for her actions.