United flight diverted to Madison, Wisconsin due to unruly passenger

MADISON, Wis. – A United Airlines flight traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis had to divert to Madison, Wisconsin due to an unruly passenger.

Flight diverted

What we know:

United Airlines Flight 2005 took off from O’Hare on Friday night, May 29, but diverted to Dane County Regional Airport.

An official with Dane County Regional says the flight was heading to Minneapolis but was diverted due to an unruly passenger. Law enforcement on the flight restrained and handcuffed the passenger quickly, with no injuries to other passengers.

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The plane landed safely and Dane County Sheriff’s deputies met the flight when it landed, removed the passenger, and placed them under arrest.

The passenger remains in custody and there is no danger to the public. Airport operations are continuing and remaining flights will continue to arrive at the airport.

What they’re saying:

Federal authorities will now take over the investigation. The FBI said in a statement:

“On May 29, 2026, the FBI was notified that a commercial flight traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis was being diverted to Dane County Regional Airport. FBI Milwaukee’s Madison Resident Agency and local law enforcement partners responded immediately. A subject was detained by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and afterwards passengers resumed their flight.”