United Airlines Flight Diverts After Passenger Assaults Crew Member.

January 1, 2026 at 04:22 AM•2 min read

United Airlines Flight 2410, a Boeing 737, diverted to Omaha after an unruly passenger claiming the flight was a "simulation" allegedly assaulted a flight attendant, leading to federal

Key Points

1United Airlines Flight 2410, a Boeing 737, diverted to Omaha on December 28 after a passenger assault.
2The unruly passenger allegedly struck a flight attendant after claiming the flight was a "simulation."
3The FAA reported 2,102 unruly passenger cases in 2024, leading to $7.5 million in total fines.
4The passenger faces federal charges and was denied bail due to mental health and substance abuse concerns.

A recent United Airlines flight was diverted mid-route.

Flight 2410 was traveling from Washington Dulles to Salt Lake City. The aircraft was a Boeing 737. The diversion happened on December 28 after an incident.

Incident Details and Diversion

A passenger reportedly became disruptive during the flight. He allegedly began flailing and shadowboxing in the aisle. The individual then claimed the flight was a “simulation.” This chaotic behavior escalated quickly.

He then allegedly struck a flight attendant in the face. Other passengers and crew members intervened. They successfully restrained the unruly traveler. The captain made the decision to divert the flight. The aircraft landed at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska. Law enforcement officials met the plane upon arrival. The passenger now faces federal charges for the assault. A magistrate judge denied his bail. The court cited mental health and substance abuse concerns.

Aviation Industry Impact

Incidents involving unruly passenger behavior remain a major concern. They pose a direct threat to crew member safety. Such disruptions also impact operational efficiency. Diversions cause significant delays for all passengers. They also create substantial costs for airlines like Emirates and United.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tracks these events closely. The agency maintains a strict Zero-Tolerance Policy. This policy was implemented in January 2021. It allows the FAA to issue stiff civil penalties. Fines can reach up to $37,000 per violation.

Regulatory Response

The FAA reported 2,102 unruly passenger cases in 2024.
This total was a 1% increase from the prior year.
The agency initiated 402 enforcement actions in 2024.
Total fines against disruptive travelers reached $7.5 million.
The FAA also refers the most serious cases to the FBI.

This partnership ensures criminal prosecution is pursued when warranted. The aviation industry is focused on air travel safety. They continue to advocate for strong legal action. This is crucial to deter future incidents. Read more about these developments in commercial aviation news.

Protecting the cabin crew is a top priority. Assaults on crew members are never tolerated. The industry is working with regulators. They seek to ensure a safe environment for everyone. This includes all passengers and airline staff.