Passenger Arrested Over Bomb Threat on US-Bound Flight

Authorities in the United States have arrested a passenger who allegedly threatened to blow up a United Airlines aircraft and attempted to gain access to its cockpit during a flight from Newark, New Jersey, to New Orleans, Louisiana.

The incident occurred on Monday night aboard United Airlines Flight 2174, which was carrying 46 passengers and six crew members.

According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, the 34-year-old passenger began behaving irrationally during the flight before reportedly telling members of the cabin crew that he had a bomb.

The incident prompted the pilots to issue an emergency hijacking alert after the passenger allegedly attempted to approach the cockpit.

The flight crew reportedly managed to persuade the man to move towards the rear of the aircraft, allowing the pilots to remain secured inside the cockpit and continue the journey.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 Max 9, landed safely at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where law enforcement officers were waiting.

The suspect was arrested without resistance and taken to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Centre.

He was charged with communicating false information about planned arson and terrorising, according to the sheriff's office.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate the incident, while United Airlines confirmed that the aircraft landed safely following a disruptive incident involving a passenger.

The airline said law enforcement officers met the aircraft upon arrival, while the remaining passengers were safely taken to the airport terminal.

The authorities have not reported finding any explosive device aboard the aircraft.