Passenger speaking Russian attempts cockpit breach on Chicago–Minneapolis flight

30 May 2026 , 13:52

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Passenger speaking Russian attempts cockpit breach on Chicago–Minneapolis flight

A flight declared a high-level emergency after a passenger allegedly attempted to break into the cockpit.

The United Airlines jet was bound for Minneapolis from Chicago when a man attempted to take control of the plane.

He was allegedly speaking Russian as he attempted to force his way onto the flight deck of the Boeing 737.

The flight used squawk code 7500 – the internationally recognized number to signal a hijacking.

It diverted to another airport and landed safely in Madison, Wisconsin, with no further threat reported.

According to reports, the passenger was restrained and arrested in handcuffs after the plane finally touched down.

Cockpit security has been greatly ramped up since the September 11 attacks in 2001.

In October 2023, an off-duty pilot seized control of a plane and attempted to cut off its engines.

He was eventually restrained and the crew were able to prevent a crash, before diverting to Portland airport in Oregon.

Joseph David Emerson was later charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and 1 count of endangering an aircraft.

Metro has contacted United Airlines for comment.

James Smith

Editor-in-Chief