Woman Charged After Assaulting Crew on Delta Flight at MSP

A California woman has been charged following a disruptive incident aboard a Delta Air Lines flight departing from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to San Francisco. Priya Swaminathan, a 45-year-old attorney from San Jose, faces multiple charges including obstruction of the legal process, fifth-degree assault, disorderly conduct, and interference with flight operations.

The incident occurred on Delta flight DL2089 on Sunday evening. According to the criminal complaint, Swaminathan refused to place her bags in the overhead compartment when instructed by a flight attendant. After being informed there was no remaining space and she would need to check her luggage plane-side, she allegedly became aggressive, yelling at passengers and pacing the aisle.

Witnesses say Swaminathan pushed a flight attendant in the chest with both hands during the altercation. When law enforcement arrived, she refused to exit the aircraft and resisted arrest. Officers reported she was standing between rows 1 and 2, had bloodshot eyes, and smelled of alcohol.

As police attempted to remove her from the plane, she allegedly resisted by flailing her body, kicking herself free, and knocking an officer’s body camera off. She also attempted to remove her seatbelt after being placed in a squad vehicle.

Due to the incident, the flight’s departure was delayed by 20 minutes. Swaminathan was eventually taken into custody and removed from the airport premises. Delta Air Lines has not publicly commented on the event. The case highlights ongoing challenges with unruly passenger behavior affecting airline operations and crew safety.

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