Chicago-to-Minneapolis United Airlines flight diverted after attempted cockpit breach

A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted after a passenger attempted to breach the cockpit late Friday. The FBI and local police responded to a reported security concern at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, where the passenger was detained. FlightAware data shows the aircraft continued to Minneapolis and landed early Saturday. No injuries were reported among 147 passengers and six crew members. United stated Flight 2005 landed in Madison to address the unruly passenger, and FBI agents with local law enforcement responded and later allowed passengers to resume travel. NBC News reported crew discussions with ground control about the attempted cockpit breach, and a crew member said the passenger was eventually brought under control and seated with law enforcement nearby. The FBI in Milwaukee said it was notified of the diversion. Hijackings are rare in the US since 2001, but more than 130 US planes were hijacked between 1968 and 1972, when many hijackers demanded flights to Cuba.

"Aircraft hijackings are almost unheard of in the US since the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, when four aircraft were taken over by Islamic extremists, including two that crashed into and destroyed New York's World Trade Center. But between 1968 and 1972, known as hijacking's so-called golden age, more than 130 US planes were hijacked. Many of those hijackers demanded to be flown to Cuba."

Read at www.theguardian.com