Criminal charges have been filed by Federal investigators, FBI, against a Business Class passenger whose disruptive behavior forced an American Airlines (AA) flight from New York (JFK) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) to make an emergency landing in Anchorage (ANC), Alaska on January 5, 2025.
Robert Solesky faces federal charges of interfering with flight crew members aboard American Airlines flight AA167, an offense carrying potential penalties of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
FBI documentation reveals that flight attendants reported escalating concerns about Solesky’s intoxicated state during the planned 14-hour transpacific journey, PYOK flagged.
Crew members observed Solesky struggling to access the Business Class lavatory approximately eight hours into the flight. The situation intensified when Solesky began creating loud disturbances inside the restroom, with the noise penetrating the cockpit.
When a flight attendant attempted to assist him, Solesky allegedly responded with physical aggression, grabbing the crew member’s uniform lapels.
The flight crew implemented immediate safety protocols, instructing Solesky to remain seated and restricting his access to the forward lavatory. Court documents state that Solesky defied these directives, making multiple unauthorized attempts to reach the aircraft’s front section.
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft, registered as N840AN operating on the 6750-mile route between New York’s JFK Airport and Tokyo Haneda, diverted to Anchorage following Solesky’s continued non-compliance with crew instructions. Law enforcement personnel in Anchorage took Solesky into custody upon landing.
The FBI’s affidavit details the severity of the incident, emphasizing how Solesky’s actions compromised cabin safety and necessitated the costly and time-consuming diversion.
This case joins a growing number of incidents involving disruptive passenger behavior on international flights, prompting increased scrutiny from aviation authorities and law enforcement agencies.
The severity of Robert Solesky’s disruptive behavior prompted the aircraft’s Captain to personally intervene, leaving the cockpit to discuss the situation with Solesky’s wife. In an unusual development, Solesky’s wife supported the Captain’s suggestion of diverting the flight to remove her husband.
Flight documentation reveals a pattern of persistent non-compliance, with Solesky repeatedly attempting to access the aircraft’s forward section despite explicit instructions to remain seated and use rear lavatories. Family members aboard the flight attempted to physically restrain Solesky and guide him back to his seat multiple times.
The Captain executed the diversion decision as the aircraft approached the Bering Sea, altering course toward Anchorage. Law enforcement officials expedited Solesky’s removal from the aircraft upon landing, while investigators collected statements from crew members and witnesses before clearing the flight to resume its journey to Tokyo.
The incident resulted in a three-hour delay for the remaining passengers. Solesky’s wife informed investigators about traveling with his cousins, acknowledging their collective inability to manage his behavior for the flight’s duration.
Beyond the criminal charges, Solesky faces potential civil litigation from American Airlines seeking compensation for diversion-related costs. These expenses typically include additional fuel consumption, crew overtime, airport fees, and passenger accommodation arrangements.
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