United Newark–New Orleans flight lands safely after passenger bomb claim, arrest
The gist
A passenger on United flight 2174 from Newark allegedly claimed a bomb and tried to reach the cockpit, and was arrested after landing in New Orleans.
The crew's hijack alert and the suspect's deportation history put aviation security and screening back in focus.
How it unfolded
- Nov 9, 2026United flight UA2174 departed Newark Liberty International Airport at 9:26 PM bound for New Orleans; during the flight a male passenger reportedly tried to storm the cockpit and claimed to have a bomb, prompting pilots to squawk 7500 (the hijack code) and send a 'Level 4' threat alert via ACARS (the aircraft's text messaging system).
- Nov 9, 2026The passenger was moved to the back of the aircraft and sat with cabin crew; the flight landed safely in New Orleans, touching down 52 minutes ahead of schedule at 11:07 PM.
- Nov 9, 2026Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto was arrested by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office after the plane landed; authorities said he was taken into custody without incident.
Key terms
- squawk 7500
- To set a transponder to a specific code so air traffic control radar can identify the aircraft.
- ACARS
- A digital data link system for sending short messages between aircraft and ground stations by radio or satellite.
- deported
- Flights used to expel a person or group from a state's territory.
Source: Wikipedia