Attempted Cockpit Breach Forces Delta Flight Back to Houston

HPD is responding to calls about a person trying to breach the cockpit of a Delta Flight that was forced returned to Hobby Airport.

Audio from air traffic control communications reveals a passenger attempted to access the cockpit, prompting the Delta flight to declare an emergency.

In the audio via Broadcastify, the pilot tells air traffic control that “we had a passenger get up and try to access the cockpit.” The pilot later requests security and paramedics to be standing by upon landing.

According to the transmission, the pilot also states the individual was “in cuffs in the back of the aircraft” and that the person “did assault another passenger,” prompting a request for medical evaluation.

In a statement, Delta said the flight was carrying 85 passengers and five crew members, and that a customer exhibiting “unruly and unlawful behavior toward other customers.” Delta said the customer approached crew members and other passengers but did not make contact with or attempt to access the flight deck.

“The safety of our customers and crew is paramount, and Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior,” the airline said in a statement. “We apologize to our customers for this experience and delay in their travels.”