United flight diverts to DC after passenger reportedly tries to open door midair
May 22, 2026
A flight headed to Guatemala was diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport after a passenger tried to open a door while flying at 36,000 feet, according to an air traffic control recording.
United Airlines Flight 1551 from Newark to Guatemala City had 145 passengers and six crew members
on board during a chaotic incident caused by a person the airline called “an unruly passenger.”
“What door did the passenger try to open?” someone can be heard asking at about 8:20 p.m. Thursday on an air traffic control recording via ATC.com.
“Door 2L at 36,000 feet, and then assaulted a fellow passenger,” someone replies.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 landed safely at Dulles and was met by law enforcement, United said. No one reported injuries.
Passengers were given overnight accommodations and were set to fly out Friday.
No information was immediately released on the passenger’s name, any charges or a potential motive.
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