A United Airlines flight declared an onboard emergency while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday due to an unruly passenger.
Police detained the passenger after the alleged incident.
In audio from Air Traffic Control, the pilot said it seemed like “someone just attacked one of our flight attendants.”
The pilot later said the man attempted to open the main cabin door.
“Trying to get access to the flight deck,” he added.
Take a listen:
United Airlines flight 1837 (737 Max) declares an emergency at Newark this evening because a passenger attacked a flight attendant and is trying to gain access to the cockpit.
Audio via @theATCapp pic.twitter.com/pL9SgTlXyu
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) May 2, 2026
CBS News shared further:
Officers detained a 48-year-old passenger, who police say was taken to a local hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.
Police said one individual on the plane refused medical attention, and no other injuries were reported.
In a statement, United Airlines said, “Local law enforcement met United flight 1837 upon its scheduled arrival at Newark International Airport to address an unruly passenger. We’re grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of fellow crew members and our customers.”
“At about 6:03 p.m. Saturday evening, PAP received a report of an altercation on United Airlines flight 1837 as it arrived at Newark Liberty Terminal B. When the plane arrived at the gate, police detained a 48-year-old male without incident who was taken to the hospital for psychiatric evaluation,” the Port Authority Police said in a statement.
United declares onboard emergency after crazed passenger attempted to enter the cockpit at Newark Airport https://t.co/SyB6RKWfS2
— Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) May 3, 2026
PEOPLE noted:
The Boeing 737 Max 8 plane had 170 passengers and six crew members at the time, United Airlines confirmed to PEOPLE.
The airline referred PEOPLE to law enforcement for additional questions.
