United Airlines Passenger Accused of Cockpit Hijacking Attempt After Bomb Threat

A United Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey, to New Orleans, Louisiana, landed safely after a passenger allegedly threatened to blow up the aircraft and attempted to enter the cockpit, triggering a serious security response.

The incident happened Monday night, November 9, 2026, aboard United Airlines Flight 2174. The passenger was identified as 34-year-old Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, a Honduran national who was arrested after the aircraft arrived in New Orleans. New details released November 11 indicate that Gomez-Alberto had previously been deported from the United States twice, according to federal immigration authorities.

What Happened Aboard United Flight 2174

The Boeing 737 MAX 9 departed Newark Liberty International Airport at approximately 9:30 p.m. Monday, carrying 46 passengers and six crew members. According to Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto, the situation escalated at approximately 11:20 p.m. when Gomez-Alberto allegedly began acting irrationally and told flight attendants that he had a bomb.

The passenger also allegedly attempted to gain access to the cockpit, raising serious concerns about the safety of everyone aboard. The pilots reportedly transmitted a Level 4 security alert through the aircraft communications system. The alert indicated an attempted or actual cockpit breach.

Flight attendants and crew members managed to contain the situation, with the passenger reportedly moved toward the rear of the aircraft. The plane continued to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where it landed safely. Law enforcement officers met the aircraft, and passengers and crew members were able to leave the plane. United Airlines confirmed that the flight landed safely following a disruptive incident involving a passenger.

Suspect Had Previously Been Deported Twice

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Gomez-Alberto had been removed from the United States on two previous occasions. According to federal authorities, Border Patrol first apprehended him near El Indio, Texas, in September 2011, after he allegedly entered the country illegally. He was subsequently removed.

Authorities apprehended him again near Columbus, New Mexico, in October 2014, and he was deported a second time. In 2019, Border Patrol arrested him following another attempted illegal entry near San Ysidro, California. However, immigration authorities released him from custody in January 2020 after an immigration judge ordered his release while removal proceedings remained pending. Following the November 9 flight incident, Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged an immigration detainer with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office on November 10.

Criminal Charges Following the Alleged Hijacking Attempt

Gomez-Alberto was arrested after the aircraft landed in Louisiana and taken to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. He was reportedly booked on charges of communicating false information about planned arson and terrorizing.

Federal authorities also referenced alleged bomb threats, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident. The FBI confirmed that it was aware of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional federal charges could follow. The allegations do not establish that Gomez-Alberto successfully breached the cockpit or that the aircraft was actually hijacked.

United Airlines Flight Lands Safely

Despite the reported security emergency, United Airlines Flight 2174 landed without a reported aircraft accident or injuries. The incident highlights the serious security concerns airlines face when passengers threaten crew members or attempt to interfere with flight operations.

Commercial aircraft are equipped with reinforced cockpit doors designed to prevent unauthorized access. Attempts to breach those doors can trigger emergency security procedures and law enforcement responses. The investigation into the November 9 incident remains ongoing.