Passenger arrested after bomb claim prompts alert on Newark–New Orleans flight

A passenger’s claim that he had a bomb in his backpack prompted a cockpit security alert on a United Airlines flight from Newark to New Orleans on Monday evening. The aircraft landed safely, and the passenger was arrested, highlighting how a reported threat can trigger an urgent response even when no device is reported found.

The Boeing 737 MAX 9 carried 49 passengers and six crew members. The man was moved to the back of the aircraft and seated with crew; authorities met the plane on arrival, and passengers were taken to the terminal. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office said the 34-year-old was booked on charges of communicating false information about planned arson and terrorising.