Passenger Arrested After Attacking Flight Attendant, Diverted Flight

A United Airlines flight from Milan to Newark diverted to Bangor, Maine, on September 8 after passenger Kristina Kedysheva allegedly became violent when crew members refused to serve her more alcohol. Court documents say she refused to return to her seat, filmed the crew, bit and kicked a flight attendant during efforts to restrain her, and scratched an off-duty pilot; the flight attendant suffered injuries requiring medical attention. Passengers and crew members reportedly helped subdue Kedysheva, who was arrested by federal and local authorities and charged with interfering with flight crew members and related offenses. Homeland Security placed an ICE detainer on Kedysheva, a Russian citizen, while accounts differ on additional allegations that she reached for an aircraft door handle. Because the flight originated in Europe, passengers may potentially seek compensation under EU261 rules, though any payment and the estimated total remain uncertain.