A United Airlines flight from Washington Dulles to Salt Lake City diverted to Omaha, Nebraska, on December 28, 2025, due to a disruptive passenger who interfered with the crew. Jordan Robert Langston, 25, allegedly claimed the flight was a “simulation,” pushed flight attendants, struck an able-bodied assistant in the face, and had to be restrained by multiple crew members and passengers. The plane landed safely, and Omaha police removed and arrested him.
Passenger Behavior Details
Langston exited his seat shortly after takeoff, approached a flight attendant while waving his hands and insisting the flight was simulated, then moved to the rear where he pushed another attendant and demanded to exit the plane. Despite warnings, he later shadow-boxed and punched an ABT below the nose, leading to him being taken down, cuffed, and held at the back while screaming about death.
Legal Charges and Status
Langston faces federal charges under 49 U.S.C. § 46504 for interfering with flight crew members and attendants, a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. A U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered him detained pending trial on December 30, 2025, with a criminal deadline set for February 13, 2026. No further updates on arraignment or plea were available as of early January 2026.
