A Belgian passenger has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $73,000 in restitution after assaulting cabin crew and attempting to force his way into the cockpit of a SWISS International Air Lines flight from Newark to Zurich.
The incident occurred on March 31, 2024, aboard Flight LX19, operated by an Airbus A330 carrying 236 passengers and 13 crew members. Prosecutors said the passenger, identified as Jan Daeninck, left his seat shortly after takeoff while the seatbelt sign remained illuminated.
According to court documents, Daeninck allegedly assaulted a flight attendant before running toward the cockpit and repeatedly striking the reinforced flight deck door in an apparent attempt to gain entry. When crew members intervened, he reportedly continued his violent behavior, assaulting another flight attendant and threatening crew members as they worked together to restrain him.
The pilots declared an emergency and returned to Newark Liberty International Airport, where law enforcement officers boarded the aircraft and arrested the passenger. One crew member required hospital treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
Following an FBI investigation, Daeninck pleaded guilty to assaulting a flight attendant. A federal judge has now sentenced him to 10 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and ordered restitution exceeding $73,000 to cover costs associated with the flight diversion and incident. Authorities said the passenger’s actions posed a serious threat to the safety and security of everyone on board.