DENVER—An Air Tran Airways passenger accused of becoming upset when he was refused more alcohol and locking himself in the plane’s lavatory has been formally advised that he faces a charge of interfering with a flight crew.
Forty-seven-year-old Muhammad Abu Tahir of Glen Allen, Va., appeared in Denver federal court Wednesday. Another hearing is scheduled for Friday.
Authorities say Tahir became disruptive on a flight Jan. 8 from Atlanta to San Francisco. Two military jets were sent to tail the plane, whose captain decided to divert to Colorado Springs.
An interpreter was with Tahir during Wednesday’s hearing. Tahir is originally from Pakistan and is a permanent U.S. resident.
He faces up to 20 years in a prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
