A routine flight turned into a midair scare after a passenger allegedly attacked a flight attendant and tried to push his way toward the cockpit just moments before landing.
The chaos unfolded Saturday evening aboard United Airlines Flight 1837, which had just arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport from the Dominican Republic.
As the plane prepared to land around 6 p.m., the situation quickly spiraled.
Audio from air traffic control captured the tense moment a crew member declared an emergency. “We’re declaring an emergency, seems like someone just attacked one of our flight attendants,” the crew member said.
According to officials, the passenger — a 48-year-old man — allegedly assaulted a flight attendant and attempted to force his way toward restricted areas, including trying to access the cockpit.
Crew members urgently requested emergency vehicles to meet the aircraft upon landing as the situation unfolded in real time.
There were about 170 passengers and six crew members on board the Boeing 737 at the time.
When the plane reached the gate, officers with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey were waiting. The man was taken into custody without incident and later transported to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.
Despite the frightening ordeal, no serious injuries were reported. The flight attendant who was attacked declined medical treatment, and no other passengers were hurt.
United Airlines later confirmed the incident, praising the crew for keeping the situation under control and ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the passenger as the investigation continues.