Cathay Pacific on Sunday said a Chicago-bound flight had to make a stop in Tokyo to offload what it described as an "unruly passenger."

In a statement, the airline said the flight was diverted to Tokyo Narita International Airport out of safety concerns.

The passenger was escorted off the plane by airport staff.

The flight had initially departed Hong Kong shortly after noon on Sunday.

Cathay said the flight is expected to arrive at Chicago at four in the afternoon local time, after the diversion.

The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers.