A Honduran national previously deported from the United States twice was arrested after allegedly trying to enter the cockpit of a United Airlines flight and claiming he had a bomb. The incident occurred Monday night, November 9, 2026, aboard a flight from Newark, New Jersey, to New Orleans. The aircraft landed safely, and law enforcement took the suspect into custody after arrival. Federal immigration authorities later lodged a detainer following the arrest.
Officials identified the suspect as Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto. He is accused of causing a midair disturbance that prompted the pilots to issue a reported hijacking alert, although the allegations have not been resolved in court.
| 1) | Alleged cockpit access attempt during flight |
| 2) | Safe landing and arrest in New Orleans |
| 3) | Previous deportations and immigration history |
| 4) | Charges and federal immigration detainer |
| 5) | Aircraft details and official response |
Alleged cockpit access attempt during flight
Authorities allege that Rony Alexander Gomez-Alberto attempted to gain entry to the cockpit while United Airlines Flight 2174 was traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on November 9. He allegedly claimed to have a bomb, an assertion that intensified the security response and contributed to a reported hijacking alert from the flight crew. The account remains an allegation, and no finding of guilt has been made.
The alleged conduct involved a passenger, the flight crew and other travelers aboard the Boeing 737 MAX 9. Officials have not publicly detailed how close the suspect came to entering the cockpit or whether any weapon or explosive device was found.
Safe landing and arrest in New Orleans
The aircraft continued to New Orleans and landed safely later that night. Law enforcement officers met the plane after it arrived at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and arrested the suspect. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office handled the initial custody process.
The flight was carrying 46 passengers and six crew members. The incident caused alarm onboard, but available official information indicates that the aircraft completed its journey without reported physical harm to passengers or crew. The investigation is focused on the alleged cockpit attempt, the bomb claim and the circumstances surrounding the disturbance.
Previous deportations and immigration history
The Department of Homeland Security said Gomez-Alberto was first apprehended by Border Patrol after illegally entering the United States near El Indio, Texas, in September 2011. He was removed from the country after that encounter. Border Patrol apprehended him again near Columbus, New Mexico, in October 2014, and he was also removed following that incident.
In 2019, Border Patrol arrested him after an attempted illegal entry near San Ysidro, California. Federal officials said he was later released from immigration custody in January 2020 after an immigration judge ordered his release pending removal proceedings. The available account does not state the final outcome of those proceedings.
Charges and federal immigration detainer
Local authorities booked Gomez-Alberto on allegations including communicating false information about planned arson and terrorizing. Federal officials separately described the alleged offenses as involving a bomb threat, a terroristic threat and disorderly conduct. The precise charging language and any future changes will be determined through the criminal court process.
On November 10, Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. A detainer is a request that a local agency notify federal immigration authorities before releasing a person from custody. It does not itself establish guilt or determine the outcome of the criminal case.
Aircraft details and official response
United Airlines confirmed that Flight 2174, operating from Newark to New Orleans, landed safely after a disruptive incident involving a passenger. The airline said law enforcement met the aircraft upon arrival and referred additional questions to local authorities. The aircraft was identified as a Boeing 737 MAX 9.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the immigration detainer was filed after the alleged cockpit access attempt. Officials have not announced whether additional federal charges will be brought. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office had not provided further public details at the time of the report.
United Airlines said the flight landed safely following a disruptive incident involving a passenger, and that law enforcement met the aircraft upon arrival.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A passenger allegedly tried to enter the cockpit of United Flight 2174. |
| 2 | The suspect allegedly claimed to have a bomb. |
| 3 | The flight landed safely in New Orleans with 46 passengers and six crew members. |
| 4 | Federal officials said the suspect had previously been deported twice. |
| 5 | ICE lodged a detainer after the arrest. |
Summary
The alleged cockpit breach and bomb claim led to a law enforcement response after a United flight reached New Orleans safely. The suspect faces local allegations related to threats and false information, while federal immigration authorities have placed a detainer based on his prior immigration history. Further court and agency proceedings will determine the case’s outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened aboard the United flight?
Authorities allege that a passenger tried to enter the cockpit and claimed to have a bomb during a flight from Newark to New Orleans on November 9, 2026.
Did the aircraft land safely?
Yes. The Boeing 737 MAX 9 landed safely at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where law enforcement met the aircraft.
What is known about the suspect’s immigration history?
Federal officials said the Honduran national was removed from the United States after apprehensions near El Indio, Texas, in 2011 and Columbus, New Mexico, in 2014. He was arrested again after an attempted entry near San Ysidro, California, in 2019.
What action did immigration authorities take?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office on November 10 after the arrest.
