Disruptive Passenger Forces United Flight Back to Las Vegas, FAA Investigates
An overnight delay followed the diversion of United Flight 1681 due to a security concern, with the FAA launching an investigation.
United Airlines Flight 1681, bound for Newark, made an unexpected return to Las Vegas late Saturday night following a disruptive passenger incident. The flight, carrying 150 passengers and six crew members, had departed Harry Reid International Airport shortly before the crew identified a potential security concern in the cabin.
The Boeing 737 safely landed back in Las Vegas at approximately 11:05 p.m. local time. While no injuries were reported, the diversion led to an overnight delay as the flight crew timed out of their legally permitted working hours. The aircraft ultimately departed for Newark the following morning.
United Airlines confirmed the diversion to address a potential security concern. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that it is investigating the incident. Airport officials deferred further details to United Airlines and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
This event follows a separate incident in May where a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, after a passenger allegedly attempted to breach the cockpit.