Drunken smoker forces U.S.-bound jet back to Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) -- A drunken Japanese passenger on a Seattle-bound American Airlines jet locked himself in the toilet and refused to quit smoking, forcing the plane to return to Tokyo soon after takeoff, Japanese media reported on Monday.

After lighting up in one of the plane's toilets shortly after takeoff on Sunday evening, the 45-year old man ignored pleas by cabin crew to come out, forcing the jet back to Tokyo's Narita airport about an hour after it took off, Kyodo news agency said.

The man was handed over to authorities at Narita. After receiving a reprimand by airport police, he submitted a written apology saying he would "never do it again," Kyodo reported.

It said American Airlines officials were reportedly seeking compensation from the man for losses caused by his behavior. The plane departed again for Seattle later on Sunday, the news agency said.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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