A United Airlines flight travelling from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, after a passenger allegedly made repeated attempts to breach the cockpit during the flight.
The incident took place aboard United Flight 2005 on Friday night. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, was carrying 147 passengers and six crew members when the crew reported a security concern midair.
The plane landed safely at Dane County Regional Airport, where law enforcement officers boarded the aircraft and detained the passenger. No injuries were reported.
United Airlines said the aircraft diverted “to address a security concern with an unruly passenger”. The airline said passengers later continued their journey to Minneapolis.
The FBI Milwaukee Field Office said agents from its Madison Resident Agency responded with local law enforcement partners after the aircraft arrived in Madison.
A spokesperson for the bureau said the passenger was detained by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not publicly identified the passenger or confirmed whether charges have been filed.
Air traffic control audio reviewed by US media captured crew members reporting that the passenger had made “multiple attempts to try to breach the cockpit”.
According to the audio, law enforcement officers who were travelling on the aircraft were able to restrain the passenger before the plane landed. The crew told controllers the passenger was seated and flanked by officers on both sides.
Passenger Mike Rundle, who was on board, told US media that the man had caused concern before takeoff from Chicago. He said the passenger stood up while the aircraft was taxiing and was repeatedly asked by crew members to sit down.
Rundle said crew members later asked whether anyone onboard could speak Russian and requested help from a passenger who could interpret. He described seeing a commotion near the front of the aircraft before the man was restrained.
The flight diverted to Madison and landed safely. Police then boarded the aircraft and removed the passenger from the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the flight landed safely after the crew reported a passenger disturbance. The agency said airlines have reported more than 640 unruly passenger incidents so far this year.
The FAA said it investigates passenger disturbance reports and can pursue legal enforcement action against passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate or interfere with airline crew members.
Civil penalties for unruly passenger violations can reach $43,658 per violation, according to the agency.
The incident adds to continued concern over disruptive behaviour on US flights. Even when disturbances are contained, diversions can delay passengers, disrupt airline schedules and require coordination between airport police and federal agencies.
United Airlines has not released further details about the passenger or the airline’s internal response to the incident.
