Chicago Flight Diverted After Disruptive Passenger Demanded 'Nuts and Crackers'

A United Airlines plane which was en route from Rome to Chicago was forced to divert to Belfast after a passenger got angry over being denied nuts and crackers.

Jeremiah Mathias Thede, 42, an American citizen from California was arrested and made to appear before the magistrates on Monday.

He has charged with endangering the safety of the plane and accused of being disorderly and even assaulting one of the crew members of the flight.

Police Constable incharge of the case, William Robinson said that Thede got on his feet fifteen minutes into the flight, when the seat belts were still on.

He then asked one of the cabin crew members for nuts and crackers and refused to return to his seat until his demands were met.

He stood up again ten minutes later asking for more and was refused by the crew. At this point, Thede shouted and got abusive at the crew.

The crew member then alerted the captain after feeling threatened by Thede's demeanour.

According to the charges, Thede lifted bags in and out of overhead lockers, kept visiting the rest room, blocked aisles, shouted at the cabin crew and also made other passengers feel threatened.

In view of his 'erratic behavior', the Captain decided to divert the flight Belfast. The decision is said to have cost the airlines £350,000.

Thede on his part claims the whole episode was a conspiracy and that he is being 'picked on'. He is to appear before the court via video link next week.