Trending Now - Emergency Landing Ordered After Passenger Attempts Door Opening at 36,000 Feet

WHO:

CBS News - The passenger involved was on United Airlines Flight 1551, which had 145 passengers and six crew members on board.

CBS News - The FBI responded to the incident at Dulles Airport.

WHAT:

NBC News - A United Airlines flight was forced to divert after a passenger allegedly tried to open a door at 36,000 feet.

CBS News - The pilot reported that the passenger attempted to open Door 2L and subsequently assaulted a fellow passenger.

CBS News - The flight was canceled, and a replacement flight was added for the following morning, with customers provided overnight accommodations.

WHERE:

CBS News - The flight originated from Newark Liberty International Airport and made an emergency landing in Washington D.C.

CBS News - The incident occurred at Dulles Airport.

WHEN:

CBS News - The emergency landing occurred at 8:38 p.m. on the night of the incident.

WHY:

CBS News - The incident was described as involving an unruly passenger.

HOW:

CBS News - The flight was met by law enforcement to address the unruly passenger.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 19:28 UTC)

A United Airlines flight was forced to divert after a passenger allegedly tried to open a door at 36,000 feet and subsequently assaulted a fellow traveler, leading to an emergency landing at Dulles Airport. The flight, which had 145 passengers and six crew members on board, originated from Newark Liberty International Airport and was met by law enforcement upon landing. Following the incident, the flight was canceled, and a replacement flight was scheduled for the next morning, with accommodations provided for the affected customers.