On Sept. 8, United Airlines Flight 18 from Milan to Newark diverted to Bangor, Maine, after a first-class passenger allegedly became aggressive when denied more alcohol. The passenger, identified as 37-year-old Kristina Kedysheva, is accused of biting a flight attendant's wrist and kicking another crew member, injuring a shoulder. Crew and fellow passengers restrained her and U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained her upon landing. Kedysheva admitted to drinking three beverages but denies several specific allegations and now faces charges of interference with a flight crew and assault.
First-Class Passenger Allegedly Bites, Kicks Flight Attendants After Being Denied Alcohol — Flight Diverts to Maine
L: United Airlines plane; R; A stock image depicts a woman in handcuffsCredit: AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post; Getty
On Sept. 8, United Airlines Flight 18 from Milan, Italy, to Newark Liberty International Airport diverted to Bangor, Maine, after a first-class passenger allegedly became aggressive when flight attendants refused to serve her more alcohol.
Federal authorities say the passenger, identified as 37-year-old Russian citizen Kristina Kedysheva, reportedly resisted efforts by crew members and fellow passengers to restrain her. According to a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE, the lead flight attendant told investigators Kedysheva had been served multiple alcoholic drinks and grew loud and confrontational when denied additional alcohol.
A United Airlines planeCredit: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty
Alleged Assault and Restraint
Investigators contend that Kedysheva left her seat, refused crew instructions to keep her seat belt fastened and began filming the cabin crew as they determined restraints were necessary. When crew members and "able-bodied" passengers attempted to secure her, the lead attendant said Kedysheva "fought them off."
The complaint alleges that while a crew member worked to control her right arm, Kedysheva turned and bit the attendant on the wrist. When another attendant tried to restrain her legs, Kedysheva allegedly kicked the attendant in the upper stomach, causing the attendant to fall and injure her shoulder.
Bangor International Airport in MaineCredit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty
Other Reports and the Emergency Landing
A different crew member described Kedysheva as appearing intoxicated and said she approached the flight deck four times to request more alcohol. A passenger told law enforcement they saw Kedysheva near the aircraft's outer rear door and, concerned she might try to open it, grabbed her — an exchange that reportedly escalated into shouting and the crew's intervention.
The captain diverted the flight to Bangor International Airport, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection met the aircraft and detained Kedysheva. The FBI had been notified earlier that day of a "non-compliant" passenger allegedly assaulting flight attendants.
Statements and Charges
In an interview with investigators, Kedysheva said she was traveling to New York for a friend's 40th birthday and admitted consuming three alcoholic beverages over several hours. She denied reaching for a door, making threats, or biting anyone, though she said she did not remember whether she scratched or fought and that it was possible.
United Airlines confirmed flight 18 landed safely in Bangor to address an "unruly passenger," and said law enforcement removed the customer from the aircraft. According to the affidavit, Kedysheva faces one count of interference with a flight crew and one count of assault. PEOPLE reported that authorities have reached out to Kedysheva's attorney for comment.
Note: The allegations are based on the criminal complaint and witness statements; charges are pending and the defendant's denials are included in the record.
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