United Airlines Flight Returns to Las Vegas After Alleged Hijack Threat

A United Airlines flight bound for Newark returned to Las Vegas shortly after take-off on 24 October after a flight attendant reportedly spotted a passenger sending a text message threatening to hijack the aircraft. The incident prompted a security response, the arrest of a passenger and an overnight disruption for around 150 travellers.

United Flight 1681, operating from Las Vegas to Newark, New Jersey, landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport after the crew reported a potential security concern. The aircraft was carrying approximately 150 passengers and six crew members. United confirmed the return, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the crew had reported a passenger disturbance. <Cite refs={[“turn321246news6″,”turn321246search1”]}/>

According to police reports cited by US media, a flight attendant noticed messages exchanged between two passengers and subsequently saw a text that allegedly threatened to hijack the aircraft and crash it into a particular row of passengers.

The flight attendant alerted the lead attendant, who informed the captain. The crew then took security precautions and turned the aircraft back towards Las Vegas.

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