United Airlines plane diverted and ‘unruly passenger’ detained after in-flight incident

U.S. newsUnited Airlines plane diverted and ‘unruly passenger’ detained after in-flight incidentThe FBI and police responded to reports of a security concern with an unruly passenger on the plane, which diverted to Dane County Regional Airport.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 30, 2026, 4:24 AM EDTBy Joe Kottke and Bella LoBueA United flight bound for Minneapolis diverted to Dane County Regional Airport Friday night after reports of an unruly passenger, officials said.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Flight UA2005, which originated in Chicago, “landed safely in Madison, Wisconsin to address a security concern with an unruly passenger,” a United spokesperson said.There were no reported injuries among the 147 passengers and six crew members on board.An FBI Milwaukee spokesperson said the agency was notified of the flight’s diversion. Its Madison office and local law enforcement responded to the airport.A Dane County Sheriff’s Office official confirmed that the plane requested law enforcement assistance.“A subject was detained by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and afterwards passengers resumed their flight,” the FBI spokesperson said.Air traffic control audio obtained by NBC News captured a discussion between ground and flight personnel when law enforcement attended the incident. “I do not believe they ever cuffed him, but they were able to finally get control of him after multiple attempts to try to breach the cockpit,” a crew member can be heard saying. “I believe at this point he is seated in a seat and flanked with law enforcement officers on either side.”The flight continued its journey to Minneapolis, landing early Saturday morning, according to FlightAware data.ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJoe KottkeJoe Kottke is an assignment editor at NBC News covering domestic news, including politics, immigration, crime, entertainment and severe weather.Bella L...