United Airlines Passenger Allegedly Assaulted Flight Attendant, Attempted to Enter Cockpit A United Airlines passenger was detained after allegedly assaulting a flight attendant and attempting to access the cockpit during a flight arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday evening. The incident occurred on United Flight 1837, which had arrived in New Jersey from the Dominican Republic around 6:25 p.m. The 48-year-old man, whose name was not disclosed, was removed from the aircraft by law enforcement. According to the Port Authority Police Department, he was taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, while a second individual on board declined medical attention. No other injuries were reported. Air traffic control audio captured the incident, with the pilot informing controllers of the situation. “A gentleman just attacked one of the flight attendants and is trying to open the forward main cabin door,” the pilot stated. The controller responded with alarm, saying, “Oh, my God,” before the pilot added, “Trying to access the flight deck.” United Airlines confirmed that law enforcement assisted the flight in handling the unruly passenger. In a statement, the airline expressed gratitude to the crew for their efforts to “ensure the safety of fellow crew members and our customers.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it would investigate the incident. FAA data shows that nearly 500 unruly passenger reports have been filed so far this year, with 110 of those coming in April alone. The agency’s records indicate that unruly passenger incidents reached an all-time high of 5,973 in 2021 but have since declined. In 2025, the number dropped to 1,621.#federal_aviation_administration #united_airlines #newark_liberty_international_airport #port_authority_police_department #united_flight_1837
Hundreds of passengers stranded in Newark, New Jersey, USA as Newark Liberty International Airport delays 168 flights and cancels 10, disrupting major airlines and travel routes Travel plans were upended for hundreds of passengers this week as Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) faced significant operational disruptions, with 168 flights delayed and 10 flights canceled. The chaos left travelers stranded, frustrated, and scrambling for alternate routes and accommodations. Flights to major domestic hubs, key U.S. cities, transcontinental services, and international departures were impacted, creating a ripple effect across airline networks and travel itineraries. The delays and cancellations at EWR, a major gateway for the New York metropolitan area, tested the patience of families, business travelers, and tourists, highlighting the fragility of air travel during peak seasons. Whether it was a family trying to start a much-needed vacation, a business traveler hurrying to a critical meeting, or an international visitor returning home, the sequence of disrupted flights tested the resilience of many who passed through Newark’s busy terminals. Passengers encountered shifting departure boards, long waits at gates, and the arduous task of rebooking as airline and airport staff worked to manage the chaos. The disruption at Newark Liberty International Airport saw 168 delayed departures and 10 cancellations across several major airlines and routes. Newark, which serves the New York/New Jersey region alongside John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia, is a crucial hub for carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, as well as numerous international operators.#delta_air_lines #federal_aviation_administration #united_airlines #newark_liberty_international_airport #american_airlines
TSA absences double during shutdown, 300 officers quit, as some airports see longer security lines Unscheduled absences among airport security officers have more than doubled during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with over 300 employees leaving the agency since the funding lapse began, according to internal TSA data obtained by CBS News. The agency’s call-out rates have surged to double-digit percentages at several airports, straining screening operations and causing delays at security checkpoints. TSA officials reported that the nationwide call-out rate—unscheduled absences by frontline officers—has risen to an average of 6% during the shutdown, compared to about 2% before the funding crisis began. The highest national absence rate reached 9% on February 23, followed by 8% on March 6 and 7% on March 9. These figures reflect a significant increase in staffing shortages, which have been exacerbated by the fact that roughly 50,000 TSA employees are working without pay during the shutdown. At individual airports, the impact has been even more severe. At Houston’s Hobby Airport, 53% of officers called out on March 8, with 47% absent the following day, resulting in nearly half of scheduled staff failing to report for duty. Similarly, John F. Kennedy International Airport saw an average absence rate of 21% during the shutdown, the highest among major airports. Other heavily affected hubs included Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (19%), William P. Hobby Airport in Houston (18%), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (14%), and Pittsburgh International Airport (13%). Extreme weather events have further compounded the staffing crisis.#hartsfield_jackson_atlanta_international_airport #tsa #department_of_homeland_security #john_f_kennedy_international_airport #newark_liberty_international_airport
