Widebody; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown; Time Pressure
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation; General Police / Security Involved
Human Factors
Captain was informed of disruptive passengers. Passenger was not obeying Flight Attendant commands; sexual assault on [other] passengers and appeared intoxicated. Captain went for toilet break and to discuss issue with Chief Purser. The Passenger quickly rushed forward and violently attacked Flight Attendant standing by door 1L; and then tried to open door 1L while in flight. Flight Attendant repelled attack and 2 other Flight Attendants restrained the Passenger. Captain informed passenger to stop actions and he was escorted to seat 1L. Captain ordered Tuff Cuffs on passenger's wrists and ankles. Captain recorded saying cuffs were not too tight and he was comfortable. 5 passengers in 1st class were very upset and feared for their safety. Captain ordered one First Officer to guard the passenger (Flight Attendants were short staffed) as he was violent; unpredictable and would not follow commands. The Passenger escaped from wrist cuffs and several times tried to get up to continue his deadly rampage. The Passenger from Economy section was used to help guard passengers (no Flight Attendants were available as they were short staffed) while pilots did required duties. Flight Attendant was injured but did not require medical attention At That Time; but was visibly shaken. Flight landed safely and no fatalities or damage to aircraft. [Foreign] Police would NOT board plane and said there was NO holding facility; ZZZZ station manager 3 times told Captain that [company] could NOT force passengers back to department station or hold passengers. The Passenger is dangerous; violent and unpredictable; but was released and continued on another flight....
Air carrier Captain reported an altercation with a hazardous passenger.