safety
FAA investigating after a passenger tried to open cabin door on regional jet, forcing an emergency landing
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 30, 2026
· 2 min read
By Alexandra Skores, Aaron Cooper, CNN
Washington (CNN) — The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a passenger tried to open the cabin door and led a regional jet to make an emergency landing on Tuesday.
United Airlines Flight 3989, operated by Mesa Airlines, landed back in ...
Key takeaway ” The Embraer 175 regional jet landed safely and taxied to the gate, where the disruptive passenger was deplaned, a spokesperson for Mesa Airlines told CNN.
Why this matters in The El Paso
For El Paso residents who frequently travel, the incident on United Airlines Flight 3989 is a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with air travel. Although the incident occurred in Indianapolis, the fact that the flight was headed to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a major hub for many El Paso travelers, brings the issue closer to home. The rise in unruly passenger incidents, with over 830 reported this year, is a concern for local travelers who may be taking similar flights. As the FAA investigates this incident and others like it, El Paso travelers should be aware of the measures being taken to ensure their safety and the consequences that disruptive passengers may face, including criminal charges and significant civil penalties. This incident may also prompt local travelers to consider the training and preparedness of flight crews and airport staff in handling such situations.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Alexandra Skores, Aaron Cooper, CNN
Washington (CNN) — The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a passenger tried to open the cabin door and led a regional jet to make an emergency landing on Tuesday.
United Airlines Flight 3989, operated by Mesa Airlines, landed back in ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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