Panic erupted aboard a United Airlines flight bound for New Orleans after a passenger claimed he had a bomb and attempted to storm the cockpit, prompting pilots to issue a hijacking alert.The flight, United Airlines 2174, was carrying 46 passengers and six crew members when it departed Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey at around 9.30pm on Monday. The Boeing 737 was headed to New Orleans when the pilots alerted air traffic control to an attempted breach of the cockpit, triggering a Level 4 threat alert, the highest aviation security warning used in hijacking situations.The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office identified the passenger as 34-year-old Rony Gomez-Alberto, a New York resident. He allegedly behaved irrationally before falsely claiming he had a bomb. Air traffic control audio revealed that he had changed into all-black clothing before attempting to reach the cockpit.The flight crew managed to persuade Gomez-Alberto to move to the back of the aircraft, allowing the pilots to remain locked inside the cockpit and continue towards New Orleans.The aircraft landed safely, after which passengers were evacuated and taken to the terminal. Sheriff’s deputies boarded the plane and arrested Gomez-Alberto without incident. He was later taken to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.United Airlines confirmed the incident, while the sheriff’s office said authorities had met the aircraft upon its arrival.