Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 2052; Flight Crew Type 267
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Security; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Police / Security Involved
Human Factors; Staffing
After landing about 10 minutes early we had to wait for a gate on the ramp just short of gate. The parking brake was set with one engine running. After about 15 minutes of waiting for our gate to open up we (the pilots and 1 flight deck jump seater) hear a loud repeated banging on the flight deck door. The Captain quickly called the forward flight attendant and the jump seater got out of his seat and looked through the peep hole on the door. The flight attended explained that an irate passenger from the back of the aircraft had come forward and was standing at the door pounding on it because he was going to miss his connection. She said she told the passenger that he cannot do that. The jump seater confirmed that a man was standing at the door. The Captain quickly made a PA to demand all passengers immediately take their seats and that it was not ok to bang on the flight deck door. The Captain had me call operations and explain we had an irate passenger banging on the door and need a gate as soon as possible and requested law enforcement and a customer service manager meet the airplane. We were changed to [a different] gate; taxied around the terminal and parked. Law enforcement met the plane and dealt with the passenger on deplaning.
Law enforcement questioned him and he apologized; said he was bipolar with explosive personality and was off his meds. Law enforcement contacted the FBI; they were ok with a strong verbal warning and let him go. The Flight Attendants were ok with that as was I; along with Dispatch and corporate security through the Dispatcher. Customer service supervisors and inflight supervisors were also present. Law Enforcement escorted him out of the secure area of the airport.
A319 flight crew reported an irate passenger began banging on the flight deck door while the aircraft was waiting for a gate.