Man charged after flight is diverted to Belfast Airport

A 42-year-old man has been charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft after a transatlantic flight was forced to divert to the North.

The United Airlines plane was en route from Rome to Chicago yesterday when the captain made the decision to touch down at Belfast International Airport.

It is understood the aircraft was over north-west Scotland when the call was made.

Belfast International Airport

The man, who has dual American-Italian nationality, was charged by Belfast International Airport Constabulary with disruptive behaviour on board an aircraft and common assault.

He is being held in the custody suite at Antrim station and is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court tomorrow.