United Flight Returns to Las Vegas Over Alleged Hijacking Threat

A United Airlines flight bound for Newark was forced to divert back to Las Vegas on Saturday night after a flight attendant allegedly observed a passenger sending a text message detailing plans to hijack the aircraft. The flight, UA 1681, carrying 150 passengers and six crew members, was less than 20 minutes into its journey when the alleged threat was discovered.

Pilots initiated a lockdown of the aircraft and safely landed at Harry Reid International Airport at 11:36 p.m. local time. Air traffic control audio revealed that the passenger, identified as 25-year-old Dane Milne, was unaware that his alleged message had been intercepted. A pilot informed air traffic control that the flight attendant had seen the passenger texting about hijacking the plane, leading to the lockdown.

Milne was arrested by Las Vegas police upon landing and charged with making threats or conveying false information regarding an act of terrorism. He was taken to the Clark County Detention Center and later posted a $10,000 bond. His court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the flight returned to Las Vegas due to a "passenger disturbance." Passengers affected by the incident were rebooked on a Sunday morning flight to Newark. This event follows a separate incident on a United Airlines flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles, which experienced severe turbulence causing a sudden drop and injuring four flight attendants, one of whom required hospitalization.