American AirlinesAccording to reports, a flight from Miami to London returned late Wednesday due to an ineligible passenger refusing to adhere to federal mask regulations.

American Airlines Flight 38. BoeingAccording to FlightAware, the flight tracking site FlightAware shows that the 777, carrying 129 passengers and 14 crew from abroad, returned for Miami approximately an hour after it took off.

American stated in a statement that the return was due to “a disruptive customer refusing comply with federal mask requirements”. The aircraft landed at MIA safely, where it was met by local authorities. Our crew was professional and we apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers.

According to the airline, the traveler was banned from flying with the airline while an investigation is underway. A request to comment was not immediately received by the Miami-Dade Police Department.

The number of reports about unruly behavior in planes soared to 5,981 last YE, more than 71% of them tied to the federal mask mandate, which was put into place early last year. Airlines had been requiring them since the outbreak.

Some of these incidents involved physical assault on crew members. American Airlines Flight Attendant was taken to hospital by a passenger who allegedly hit her face. The cross-country flight had to be diverted and the attendant admitted.