On Monday evening, a Norwegian Airlines flight from Copenhagen to Malaga was forced to make an emergency landing in Amsterdam due to a passenger exhibiting unruly behavior. The airline has been sparse with information, but Dutch police have now provided additional details regarding the incident.
Mike Hofman, a spokesperson for the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Koninklijke Marechaussee), reported that the passenger appeared confused and was experiencing what police assessed to be a psychotic episode. As a result, he was detained on suspicion of drug influence. After his arrest, the man was taken to a psychiatric hospital, where crisis services took over.
“They provided him with immediate assistance and treatment, and recommended that he be allowed to sleep. Therefore, it is still unclear whether he will face charges,” Hofman stated. The crisis services are further evaluating the man’s condition today, at which point a decision will be made regarding whether to initiate legal proceedings or develop a care plan.
The individual, who is of Swedish nationality, showed signs of a possible psychotic state even before the police arrived, but according to the crew, they did not wish to report him. The flight, which was scheduled to land in Malaga at 11:55 PM, instead had to make a stop in Amsterdam due to the situation.
The airline has confirmed that the incident was distressing for the other passengers.