United Airlines Passenger Claims He Has a Bomb and Tries to Storm Cockpit, Triggering Hijacking Alert Midflight

A United Airlines flight traveling from New Jersey to Louisiana was thrown into a frightening security emergency after a passenger allegedly claimed he had a bomb aboard the aircraft and attempted to force his way into the cockpit.

The alarming incident occurred Monday night, November 9, 2026, aboard United Airlines Flight 2174, which was traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

The passenger was identified as 34-year-old Rony Gomez-Alberto, who was subsequently arrested after the aircraft landed safely in New Orleans.

According to authorities, the flight departed Newark at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time, carrying 46 passengers and six crew members aboard a Boeing 737 MAX 9.

The situation reportedly began around 11:20 p.m., when Gomez-Alberto began behaving erratically and allegedly told flight attendants that he had a bomb with him.

According to Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto, the passenger’s statements immediately raised serious security concerns among the crew.

The situation escalated when Gomez-Alberto allegedly attempted to enter the aircraft’s cockpit, prompting the pilots to take emergency precautions.

The pilots reportedly transmitted a Level 4 alert through the aircraft communications system. The designation is associated with an attempted or actual cockpit breach and signals an extremely serious security threat.

The alert prompted an emergency response as the aircraft continued toward its destination.

Inside the plane, flight attendants and other crew members worked to manage the situation while the pilots remained in the cockpit with the door locked.

According to subsequently released emergency radio communications, responding personnel discussed approaching the aircraft through its rear entrance and keeping passengers together while authorities prepared to take the suspect into custody.

The radio recordings also indicated that the suspect had allegedly changed his clothing during the incident. Officers were instructed to monitor his movements carefully and prevent him from approaching the front of the aircraft.

At one point, emergency personnel discussed the possibility of entering through the rear door of the plane.

Despite the frightening situation, the flight continued to New Orleans and landed safely at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Law enforcement officers were waiting when the aircraft arrived. Passengers and crew members were allowed to disembark as authorities secured the scene and took the suspect into custody.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

Following his arrest, Gomez-Alberto was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.

He faces charges of communicating false information about planned arson and terrorizing, according to local authorities. Reports also indicated that he was being held in connection with an immigration detainer.

The FBI confirmed that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana would determine whether additional federal charges would be pursued.

Authorities have not publicly established what motivated the alleged threat or why the passenger attempted to approach the cockpit.

In a statement following the incident, United Airlines confirmed that Flight 2174 had landed safely after a disruptive incident involving a passenger.

“United flight 2174 from Newark to New Orleans landed safely following a disruptive incident involving a passenger on board. Law enforcement met the aircraft upon arrival,” an airline spokesperson said.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict cockpit security procedures and the rapid response of airline crews when passengers threaten aircraft safety.

Although the situation ended without physical injuries, the alleged bomb threat and attempted cockpit breach forced the crew and passengers to endure a deeply unsettling experience thousands of feet above the ground.

The investigation remains ongoing as federal and local authorities review the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether further charges will be filed.

SOURCES:

1. PEOPLE Magazine – November 11, 2026