United flight diverted after door attempt

United Airlines diverted Flight 1551 to Washington Dulles International Airport on May 21 after crew reported that a passenger tried to open a cabin door while the plane was at 36,000 feet. The Boeing 737 Max 8 had departed Newark Liberty International Airport around 7 p.m. for Guatemala City with about 145 passengers and six crew members on board, according to United and the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane landed safely at Dulles around 8:30 p.m., NBC News reported, citing the FAA and air traffic control audio. Law enforcement met the aircraft on arrival, and United described the person involved as an “unruly passenger.” ### Which flight was involved, and where did it divert? Flight 1551 was a United Airlines service from Newark to Guatemala City operating on a Boeing 737 Max 8, according to United. NBC News and NBC Washington reported that the aircraft diverted to Washington Dulles rather than continuing south after the onboard disturbance. (nbcnews.com) Washington Dulles became the unscheduled stop after the crew reported the incident in the air. The FAA said the aircraft landed there safely after the crew reported a passenger disturbance, and United said law enforcement met the flight at the gate. ### What do we know about the alleged door attempt? Air traffic control audio cited by NBC News captured a controller asking which door the passenger had tried to open. (nbcnews.com) A crew member replied that it was “Door 2L at 36,000 feet,” according to NBC News and NBC Washington. NBC New York reported that the passenger was near the door when he allegedly attacked another traveler. (nbcnews.com) The reports did not identify the passenger by name, and no motive was immediately released. ### Was anyone hurt, and who responded on the ground? United said there were no reports of injuries from the incident. (nbcnews.com) NBC New York reported that the passenger involved was taken into custody by federal law enforcement officers after the aircraft arrived at Dulles. Law enforcement’s role began after landing, not in the air. (nbcwashington.com) The public reporting available on May 23 did not name the passenger or specify any charges, and NBC Washington said no information was immediately released on the person’s identity or potential motive. ### Why was the flight canceled after landing? (nbcnews.com) United canceled the original flight after the diversion and arranged a replacement departure for Friday morning, according to the airline statement quoted by NBC News. The carrier also said customers were provided overnight accommodations. The diversion ended the May 21 trip short of Guatemala City. (nbcwashington.com) NBC Washington reported that passengers were expected to continue their travel on Friday after spending the night in the Washington area. ### What happens in cases like this? The Federal Aviation Administration said in material cited by NBC News that it can propose fines of up to $43,658 per violation in unruly-passenger cases. (nbcnews.com) The agency has also said a single incident can produce multiple violations. Friday morning was the next concrete step for passengers on Flight 1551. (nbcwashington.com) United said the replacement flight was scheduled for that morning, while authorities at Dulles handled the passenger taken into custody after the May 21 diversion. (nbcnews.com)