Jordanian national arrested after boarding flight in Arizona with invalid ticket, prompting evacuation
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Authorities arrested a Jordanian national in Arizona who boarded a plane with an invalid ticket on Sunday.
Qais Ahmad Tillawi is accused of interfering with flight crew and entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, according to an affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital. Tillawi had gained entry to an international Air France flight despite having a canceled ticket and a flagged boarding pass.
Police said Tillawi left his rental car at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and threw away two jackets before boarding the plane.
The affidavit states that Tillawi acted erratically on the plane and alarmed other passengers. Authorities said he refused to sit in his seat and began pacing the plane, eventually requiring the plane to be evacuated.
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An Air France aircraft takes off from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, on December 29, 2025. (Photo: Reginald Mathalone/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Tillawi was previously admitted to a mental hospital after his arrest at the airport.
“While Tillawi was in the boarding area, an Air France passenger reported to an Air France employee that Tillawi was acting suspiciously,” the affidavit said. The statement is included.
The plane’s captain ordered Tillawi to leave the plane, but he refused and instead typed a message on his phone that read, “Send US Marshals.”
Read the statement below (App users click here)
Phoenix police were called and quickly responded to the scene. Tillawi was the last person to leave the plane.
The affidavit stated that Tillawi was detained at Dubai Airport in 2024 following similar erratic behavior. Following the incident, he was temporarily admitted to a mental hospital.
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An airplane takes off from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) during a heat wave in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. (Ash Ponders/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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Police who interviewed him at the Phoenix airport said he refused to give his name or speak, instead using his phone to text. Authorities called Tillawi’s brother, who lives in Jordan, who said he spoke fluent English and attended Arizona State University.
