Fighter jets escort airliner back to Portland because of disruptive passenger

Plane escorted back to Portland after disturbance

PORTLAND, Ore. — Authorities say two F-15 fighter jets escorted a commercial flight bound for Hawaii back to Portland International Airport after a passenger became disruptive.

A spokesman for North American Aerospace Defense Command says the fighter jets intercepted Hawaiian Airlines flight 39 at about 1 p.m. Wednesday, shortly after the pilot decided to turn around.

Keoni Wagner, vice president of public affairs with Hawaiian Airlines, says the passenger failed to cooperate with crew. He did not elaborate, and additional details on the disruption were not immediately available.

Officials say the plane was carrying 231 passengers and a crew of 10.

Wagner says the plane landed safely in Portland and the passenger was removed. The plane was then refueled, and the flight departed again.