United Airlines Flight Diverted After Passenger Claims 'This Is a Simulation'

Image: United Airlines plane (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Image: United Airlines plane (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Eraine Wessler
by Eraine Wessler
Last updated: 12:45 PM ET, Sat January 3, 2026

United Airlines made an unexpected pit stop in Omaha, Nebraska, after a disruptive passenger interfered with crewmembers. 

According to a statement from United, flight 2410 from Washington Dulles to Salt Lake City made an emergency landing “after a passenger became disruptive,” on Sunday, Dec. 28. 

Monday, December 29, 2025, a criminal complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court of Nebraska naming 25-year-old Jordan Robert Langston as the defendant. An affidavit written by FBI Special Agent Patrick Manion claiming Langston forced the diversion is included in the complaint.

The complaint notes that, after takeoff, Langston exited his seat and approached flight attendants, saying “This is a simulation” and waving his hands over his head. He then allegedly pushed a flight attendant and said that he needed to “get off the plane.”

The captain then issued a security threat. Langston was reseated but then continued to disrupt the flight. Thirty minutes later, he was up once again, and struck a person in the face. He was then restrained in the back of the aircraft and the flight landed in Omaha and was met by authorities. 

According to court documents, Langston is charged with violating Title 49 U.S. Section 46504, Interference with Flight Crew Members and Attendants.

Once Langston was removed from the plane, the aircraft continued to Salt Lake City.


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