A United Airlines flight from Newark to New Orleans issued a hijacking alert after a passenger claimed to have a bomb and tried to enter the cockpit, authorities and the airline said.
Flight 2174 departed Newark International Airport at around 9:30 pm Monday with 46 passengers and six crew members on board, local television station FOX8 reported, citing United and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Pilots reported an attempted cockpit breach and issued a “Level 4” threat alert, the highest aviation security threat level, used in hijacking situations.
Air traffic control audio indicated that crew members persuaded the passenger to move to the rear of the aircraft, where he was detained. The Boeing 737 landed safely in New Orleans, where sheriff’s deputies met the plane.
The passenger was described as a 34-year-old man who spoke little English, according to the audio.
