A 48-year-old passenger caused a disturbance on United Airlines flight 1837 when he assaulted a flight attendant and tried to enter the cockpit as the plane was landing at Newark Liberty International Airport from the Dominican Republic last Saturday.
The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended by the Port Authority Police Department and taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. Another individual on the flight declined medical attention and no further injuries were reported.
Alarming Incident Captured in Air Traffic Control Recording
The event was captured in an air traffic control recording. "A man just attacked one of the flight attendants and is attempting to open the main front door of the cockpit," the pilot reported. "Oh my God," responded the controller. "He’s trying to access the cockpit," the pilot continued.
The audio also revealed that the flight requested an emergency vehicle upon its arrival in Newark, around 6:25 p.m. on Saturday.
Airline and FAA Respond to Incident
United Airlines confirmed that authorities were present to manage the disruptive passenger and expressed gratitude to the crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of other crew members and passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an investigation into the incident.
Rising Trend of Unruly Passenger Behavior
This incident is not an isolated case. Just a week prior, a Delta passenger attempted to open the cockpit door during a taxi delay in Atlanta, frustrated by hours of delay. "Take me to the gate—I want to get off. Or I'll get off myself," the passenger exclaimed before trying to open the door.
In March 2025, a couple was arrested in Miami after attempting to forcibly board an American Airlines flight to Cancún, highlighting the rising trend of violent behavior in commercial aviation.
Incidents have also been reported on flights departing from Miami, including instances where passengers barricaded themselves in bathrooms during flights.
Serious Consequences for Cockpit Breach Attempts
As of 2026, the FAA has received nearly 500 reports of unruly passengers, 110 of which occurred in April alone. Attempts to breach the cockpit are deemed one of the most serious threats in aviation, posing direct risks to flight safety. Depending on the severity, offenders may face fines up to $43,658 per violation, federal criminal charges, or both.
Reports of disorderly passengers hit a record high of 5,973 in 2021, according to FAA data, and have decreased to 1,621 last year, although the incident rate in 2026 continues to alarm aviation authorities.
Understanding Unruly Passenger Incidents in Aviation
What are the potential legal consequences for attempting to enter a cockpit?
Attempting to breach a cockpit can result in fines up to $43,658 per violation, federal criminal charges, or both, due to the serious security risks involved.
How many reports of unruly passengers have been recorded by the FAA in 2026?
In 2026, the FAA has received nearly 500 reports of unruly passenger behavior, with 110 incidents occurring in April alone.
How has the rate of unruly passenger incidents changed over recent years?
The number of reported incidents peaked at 5,973 in 2021 and has since decreased to 1,621 in the previous year, although 2026 shows an ongoing concern with the current rate.