Bogotá, Colombia – A flight from Bogotá to Rionegro, Colombia, experienced a significant disruption Friday night after a passenger reportedly created a disturbance, forcing the aircraft to return to El Dorado International Airport shortly after takeoff. The incident, involving LATAM Airlines flight LA4032, prompted the activation of emergency protocols, according to reports.
Details of the incident began circulating on social media, with passengers describing a tense atmosphere and the pilot announcing the need to return to Bogotá due to a disruptive passenger endangering the crew and other travelers. Sources within LATAM indicated to local media that the aircraft did not fully depart, only proceeding to a taxi position before returning for the passenger to be removed.
Uniformed officers boarded the plane and escorted the individual involved in the altercation off the aircraft, aiming to restore order and ensure the safety of the remaining passengers. While the specific cause of the confrontation remains undisclosed, passengers reportedly expressed feelings of nervousness and concern during the ordeal. Social media posts described the situation as “like a movie,” with many questioning the behavior of passengers who cause disruptions on commercial flights.
“A lack of respect for other passengers and pilots. I would be dead, but not from laughter, but from pure fear,” one user wrote on X, referencing the increasing frequency of similar incidents on airlines.
Following the passenger’s removal, LATAM was able to reorganize the cabin and eventually continue the flight to Rionegro. The airline confirmed the flight resumed its itinerary once safety conditions were re-established.
In a statement released Saturday afternoon, LATAM Airlines Colombia said, “LATAM Airlines Colombia informs that during flight LA4032 covering the route Bogotá–Medellín on the night of yesterday, a situation with a passenger on board occurred that required the activation of the protocols established by the company. The crew acted according to the procedures, prioritizing at all times the safety of the passengers and the team.”
The airline added that upon arrival at Medellín’s airport, authorities were requested to assist with the passenger’s removal, and the operation was completed safely. LATAM reiterated its commitment to safety as a fundamental value of its service.
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining discipline and respect onboard aircraft, where any inappropriate behavior can compromise the safety of all those on board. The event comes amid a broader context of increasing disruptions to air travel, as highlighted by recent reports of widespread flight cancellations and delays across Colombia. Earlier in January, 331 disruptions – 31 cancellations and 300 delays – impacted flights in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, primarily affecting Avianca and LATAM Colombia passengers.
The resumption of flights between Bogotá and Caracas by Avianca on February 12, after a period of suspension, signals a cautious reopening of the aviation market between Colombia and Venezuela. Avianca stated the route was restored after a “comprehensive evaluation of operational conditions and aviation safety,” carried out in coordination with authorities in both countries. This move reflects strengthening commercial ties and growing confidence in the operational environment.
