CHAOS IN THE SKIES: PASSENGER DEMANDS PILOT SHOWDOWN, FACES 20 YEARS

A Passaic County man was arrested after a mid-flight outburst in which he threatened passengers, flight attendants, and the crew on a flight from Miami, federal prosecutors said. The incident escalated when he pounded on the cockpit door, demanding to confront the pilot.

Luis A. Vaquero, 27, of Passaic County, was taken into custody upon landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. He is charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation and appeared in federal court before being released.

Aggressive Outburst

The February 9, 2025, incident began with Vaquero harassing passengers, making violent threats—including to a disabled minor—and hurling slurs at a group of passengers. After being denied alcohol, he allegedly told a flight attendant, “You better watch out; shit’s gonna happen to you.”

As the plane prepared to land, Vaquero forced his way to the front, banged on the cockpit door, and yelled, “I need the pilot to come outside!” When a flight attendant intervened, Vaquero threatened, “I will really break your fin’ jaw, na!” and continued yelling racial slurs. He demanded the captain come out, shouting, “I wanna see that fin’ captain! Come outside, you bh ass n***a!”

The captain eventually emerged, and Vaquero got within inches of his face, continuing his threats until law enforcement detained him.

Federal Response

Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna stated, “We are committed to keeping the skies safe and will prosecute those who interfere with passenger safety.” The FBI emphasized that such behavior is a serious federal offense.

Vaquero faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.