A United Airlines flight from Newark to New Orleans landed safely on November 9, 2026, after a passenger allegedly tried to force his way into the cockpit and claimed he had a bomb. The pilots set their transponder to the hijack code 7500, and police were waiting when the aircraft arrived.

Flight UA2174, a Boeing 737 MAX 9, was carrying 46 passengers and six crew members. It landed at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport shortly after 11 p.m. local time. No injuries were reported, and authorities have not reported finding any explosive device.

UA2174

Newark → New Orleans

46 + 6

Passengers & Crew

Code 7500

Hijack Alert Transmitted

No Injuries

Passenger Arrested on Arrival

What Happened on Board

  • DescentAs the jet descended toward New Orleans, a passenger allegedly tried to enter the flight deck and said his backpack contained a bomb, according to reports citing flight communications.
  • Code 7500The pilots set the transponder to 7500, alerting air traffic control to a hijacking or unlawful interference.
  • In the cabinFlight attendants reportedly moved the passenger to the rear of the aircraft, where he stayed for the rest of the flight. The cockpit remained secured.
  • ~11 p.m.The aircraft landed safely in New Orleans and was met by law enforcement.

What Is Code 7500?

A transponder code is a four-digit number that identifies an aircraft on air traffic control radar. Code 7500 is recognized worldwide as a signal of hijacking or unlawful interference. It lets the crew report a serious security threat without saying so openly on the radio.

“Attempted Level Four”

The crew also messaged other United aircraft: “We had an attempted level four, no other details are known at this time.” In aviation security, Level 4 refers to an attempted or actual cockpit breach. Reports describe an attempt; they do not say the passenger got into the cockpit.

Passenger Arrested

Authorities identified the passenger as 34-year-old Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto. He was arrested after landing and booked on state charges, including terrorizing and communicating false information about planned arson.

The Department of Homeland Security said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer after his arrest, and federal authorities are reviewing the case for possible additional charges. The allegations have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

What United and the FAA Said

United confirmed the flight landed safely after a disruptive incident involving a passenger and that law enforcement met the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the passenger disturbance and said it is investigating.

Second United Security Scare in Weeks

The incident follows a separate case in October, when a United flight from Las Vegas to Newark returned to Las Vegas after a passenger allegedly sent messages about hijacking the aircraft. That passenger was also arrested.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A passenger allegedly tried to enter the cockpit and claimed to have a bomb during the Newark–New Orleans flight on November 9. The pilots sent a hijack alert, and the aircraft landed safely.

No. No injuries were reported.

Reports describe an attempt to enter the flight deck. They do not say he got inside, and the cockpit remained secured.

Authorities have not reported finding any explosive device.

It is the international transponder code for hijacking or unlawful interference, letting crews alert air traffic control silently.

In aviation security, it refers to an attempted or actual cockpit breach.

Police arrested 34-year-old Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto, who faces state charges including terrorizing. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

46 passengers and six crew members on a Boeing 737 MAX 9.

Yes. The FAA confirmed the passenger disturbance and said it is investigating.

In October, a United flight from Las Vegas to Newark returned after a passenger allegedly sent messages about a hijacking.