Passenger 'Tried To Open Plane Door' In Mid-Air

A Southwest Airlines passenger has been charged after he allegedly tried to open the aircraft's door in mid-air.

The captain of the flight diverted the plane to Eppley Airfield in Omaha to "have an unruly passenger removed", the airline said in a statement.

Joshua Suggs, 23, is charged with interfering with the flight's crew.

According to the criminal complaint, Suggs twice refused to return to his seat before pushing his way past a flight attendant and trying to open a door.

Several passengers, including one law enforcement officer, helped subdue Suggs.

Passenger Monique Lawler told KABC-TV: "Some gentleman just decided that he wanted us to visit the Lord today and ... open up the back hatch while we were all already up in the air."

Ms Lawler said that when the man went to the back of the cabin to try to pry open the door, a flight attendant screamed for help.

Those who helped restrain Suggs told police his pupils were dilated and his speech was incoherent.

The flight, which was carrying five crew members and 134 passengers, arrived safely at its destination in Sacramento, California, about two hours behind schedule.

Suggs is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.