Passenger detained after attacking flight attendant and attempting to enter cockpit on United Airlines flight

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:43:00 +0200

A 48-year-old man was detained after allegedly attacking a flight attendant and attempting to access the cockpit aboard United Airlines Flight 1837 as it landed at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The plane, which took off from the Dominican Republic, had 170 passengers and six crew members aboard. Audio from air traffic control revealed the pilot declaring an emergency after the suspect's violent behavior, including an attempt to open the forward cabin door. Authorities confirmed that the man was taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation. No injuries were reported, although one person on board refused medical attention. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, which is part of a troubling trend of unruly passenger behavior. According to the FAA, nearly 500 such incidents have been reported so far in 2026. Passengers who engage in violent or disruptive behavior could face fines of up to $43,658. The airline expressed gr