JetBlue passenger who 'threatened to blow up plane' on flight from JFK to Palm Beach pleads guilty to punching flight attendant

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A New York man has admitted punching a flight attendant and threatening to blow up a Florida-bound plane.

Alija Kucuk was on JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Palm Beach International Airport in October when witnesses say he started running down the aisle.

The 29-year-old was accused of pushing two air stewards and punching a third before threatening to blow up the plane.

A New York man has admitted punching a flight attendant and threatening to blow up a Florida-bound JetBlue plane (file picture)

On Wednesday, he pleaded guilty in a federal court to interfering with a flight attendant.

Kucuk, of Queens, New York, was also initially charged with threatening to destroy an aircraft. He declined to comment outside the courthouse.

The air rage drama happened on board the JetBlue Flight 153 on October 15. Airline crew were able to restrain Kucuk after he charged down the aisle. He was arrested when the plane landed. 

According to the Palm Beach Post, Kucuk had suffered from depression and had been abusing pain pills..

Alija Kucuk was on JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (pictured) to Palm Beach International Airport in October when witnesses say he started running down the aisle

His cousin has told reporters Kucuk was scared of flying and had been going through a difficult time since his father was murdered a few years earlier. 

A prosecutor reportedly wrote in court records that after his arrest, Kucuk had told federal agents he drank cognac before boarding the plane.

Kucuk will remain on house arrest until his sentencing in February while the judge has banned him from flying or visiting any airport 'while the case is pending' the website reports.

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