Avianca flight 8579, departing from Bucaramanga, Colombia, to Bogotá on Sunday afternoon, faced forced delays due to a passenger's threatening behavior. The individual made menacing statements to fellow travelers moments before the scheduled takeoff.
The young passenger rose from his seat, displayed nervous behavior, and began uttering unclear, threatening phrases. "I'm doing this for you," he declared while grasping a suitcase still bearing its retail purchase tag. "I'm going to remember all of you, I'm going to find you."
Passenger-recorded videos from the aircraft show crew members removing the man, while one female traveler shouted at him: "Glass boy, don't frighten people. You're terrorizing a pregnant woman – go care for your own family. Be quiet, nobody wants to hear you."
#Bucaramanga ✈️Momentos de angustia en el vuelo 8579 de Avianca rumbo Bucaramanga – Bogotá. Un pasajero comenzó a amenazar a bordo, impidiendo el despegue. Autoridades evacuaron el avión para descartar la presencia de explosivos. pic.twitter.com/qjtyg5LPoX
— Vanguardia (@vanguardiacom) September 1, 2025
Shortly thereafter, the airline commanded aircraft evacuation for safety inspection and to eliminate possibilities of dangerous materials that might compromise flight security. Officials reported the individual was transferred to authorities, who are evaluating his medical condition.
Among witnesses documenting the event was actress Katherine Porto, who posted a social media video stating: "This guy threatened us. He said we shouldn't fly on this plane, that we should decide whether we stay or disembark – he threatened us, and we're trapped in the plane."
La actriz @katherineporto describió los minutos de pánico que vivieron en un vuelo de @avianca desde #Bucaramanga a #Bogotá cuando un joven amenazó con que no les convenía viajar en este avión: esto fue lo que dijo 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/OIK7jwoWHS
— Mely Múnera (@MelyMunera) September 1, 2025
Reports indicate that immediately before boarding, the man purchased approximately 1.2 million pesos worth of luggage and headwear. Authorities confirmed his transfer to San Camilo Psychiatric Hospital.
Avianca stressed in an official declaration that the company maintains "zero tolerance toward behaviors endangering safety and service" and will continue employing all legal and criminal measures to protect passengers and staff. Simultaneously, the airline advocated for national legislation enabling deterrence, punishment and prevention of such incidents – including consideration of flight privilege revocation for repeat offenders or individuals compromising aviation safety.
