An Air Canada flight from Toronto to Budapest returned to Pearson airport early Thursday after police said a flight attendant was attacked.

At around 12:30 a.m., Peel police received a call “for a flight returning back to Toronto with an irate passenger and a flight attendant who was assaulted,” said Peel police Const. Mark Fischer.

“When we attended the scene, we learned that the passenger was unruly, and he has since been arrested and taken into custody for assault.”

A flight attendant was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Police said the flight was over Nova Scotia when it turned back to Toronto.

“My understanding is that the unruly passenger was possibly drinking,” said Fischer.

John Svab, 57, of Hamilton was charged with uttering death threats, aggravated assault and endangering aircraft while in flight.

His daughter Renata Svab, 32, of Hamilton, was upset when contacted by the Hamilton Spectator.

“He has never had trouble before,” Renata said. “He was excited to see his mom (in Hungary). He has no anger issues.”

Air Canada said the passengers would be travelling on another flight Thursday. The flight was carrying 267 passengers and eight crew members.

With files from Bryann Aguilar and The Canadian Press

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