Unruly Traveler Causes Unexpected Detour on International Flight to Tokyo

Airplane landing on runway with cityscape background.

A retired New York City firefighter’s drunken behavior forces an American Airlines flight to make an emergency landing in Alaska, thousands of miles off course.

At a Glance

Robert William Solesky, a retired NYC firefighter, caused a disturbance on an American Airlines flight to Japan due to severe intoxication.
The flight was diverted to Anchorage, Alaska, 3,500 miles from its Tokyo destination.
Solesky’s blood alcohol level was 0.219, more than twice the legal driving limit.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges airlines face with unruly passengers, especially those under the influence of alcohol.
Solesky was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on February 10.

Intoxicated Passenger Disrupts International Flight

On January 5, American Airlines flight 167 from New York’s JFK Airport to Tokyo encountered an unexpected and dangerous situation. Robert William Solesky, a retired New York City firefighter, became severely intoxicated and disruptive, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Anchorage, Alaska. The incident has raised concerns about passenger safety and airline protocols for dealing with unruly individuals.

Solesky’s erratic behavior began with his inability to operate the lavatory door, escalating to aggressive actions towards flight attendants and attempts to access the cockpit. His disruptive conduct was so severe that it was heard in the cockpit, alarming both crew and passengers.

Crew and Family Unable to Control Situation

Despite efforts from flight attendants and Solesky’s own relatives to manage his behavior, the situation continued to deteriorate. His wife, who was also on the flight, admitted to being unable to control her husband’s actions even with assistance from other family members.

The decision to divert the flight was not taken lightly, considering the significant distance from the intended destination. Anchorage, Alaska, is approximately 3,500 miles from Tokyo, underscoring the severity of the situation and the potential risks posed by Solesky’s behavior.

Legal Consequences and Airline Response

Upon landing in Anchorage, Solesky was apprehended by the Anchorage Airport Police. His blood alcohol level was measured at 0.219, indicating severe intoxication. Solesky admitted to consuming a Bloody Mary and two bottles of liquor before the incident, a revelation that raises questions about pre-flight screening procedures.

Solesky was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on February 10. American Airlines has not commented on the incident, leaving many questions unanswered about their policies and procedures for handling such situations.

A Growing Concern for Airlines

This incident is not isolated. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 2,102 complaints of unruly passengers in 2024. The trend of disruptive behavior, particularly involving intoxicated passengers, continues to be a significant safety concern for airlines and travelers alike.

Incidents like Solesky’s serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by unruly passengers and the importance of stringent pre-flight screening and in-flight management procedures. The safety of all passengers and crew must remain the top priority for airlines operating in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.