United Airlines flight UA2174 from Newark Liberty International Airport to New Orleans transmitted a hijack distress signal on Monday night after a passenger allegedly attempted to storm the cockpit claiming he had a bomb in his backpack. The aircraft landed safely at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where law enforcement met the plane.
Distress Signal and Threat Level
The flight departed Newark at 9.27pm EST and, partway through the journey, transmitted squawk code 7500, which signals unlawful interference such as a hijacking or cockpit intrusion. The pilots also declared a 'Level 4' threat via the aircraft messaging system, the highest possible aviation threat level, indicating an attempted or actual breach of the cockpit.
Deputies from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said a 34-year-old man allegedly told crew members he had a bomb in his backpack. The man was reportedly moved to the rear of the aircraft, where he sat with crew members for the remainder of the flight.
Safe Landing and Arrest
The Boeing 737 MAX 9 continued to its scheduled destination, landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport at 11.16pm CST with 46 passengers and six crew members on board. A United Airlines spokesperson said: "United flight 2174 from Newark to New Orleans landed safely following a disruptive incident involving a passenger onboard. Law enforcement met the aircraft upon arrival."
Deputies said the man is now in custody on suspicion of communicating false information about a planned act of arson and terrorising. All other passengers left the aircraft after it landed.
