A United Airlines flight from Newark, United States, to Guatemala City diverted on Thursday, May 21, after a passenger allegedly tried to open a plane door at 36,000 feet.
United Airlines Flight 1551, a Boeing 737 Max 8, left Newark Liberty International Airport at about 7 p.m., according to United Airlines officials. The airline said the aircraft diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport because of a passenger disturbance.
Air traffic control audio captured a crew member saying the passenger tried to open “Door 2L at 36,000 ft.” The passenger later assaulted another person on board.
United Airlines said the flight landed safely and law enforcement met the aircraft at Washington Dulles. Authorities arrested the passenger involved in the disturbance.
The flight carried an estimated 145 passengers and six crew members. United Airlines later cancelled the flight and provided overnight accommodation to passengers.
A replacement flight departed Friday morning, the airline said.
Read: United Airlines Newark Incident Injures No Passengers
The Federal Aviation Administration can impose civil penalties of up to $43,658 per violation under its unruly passenger rules. One incident can involve several violations, though authorities have not confirmed whether the passenger will face criminal charges.
