United Airlines Flight 1681 was forced to return to Las Vegas on Saturday after a flight attendant spotted a passenger allegedly texting a hijack threat. Dante Milne, 25, was arrested on suspicion of making terrorism-related threats after the aircraft, carrying 150 passengers and six crew members, made a U-turn mid-flight.
Incident Details
The flight, which had departed from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas bound for Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, turned back after the crew member alerted the pilot. Shortly after take-off, the pilot informed an air traffic controller: "The flight attendant saw him texting that he was going to hijack the aircraft. They called me. We went into lockdown, and we returned to Vegas," according to CBS News.
The pilot also mentioned that passengers displayed "no restraint" because "he's unaware."
FAA Response and Security Checks
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed: "United Airlines Flight 1681 returned safely to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas around 11:05 p.m. local time on Saturday, Oct. 24, after the crew reported a passenger disturbance. The flight was headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. The FAA will investigate. Contact the airline and local authorities for more information."
Following the aircraft's return, all travellers were taken off the plane, which then underwent an extensive security check, officials confirmed.
Arrest and Aftermath
Dante Milne was taken into custody on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism, as reported by PEOPLE. Travellers eventually departed the next day after being provided with alternative flight arrangements.
A United Airlines spokesperson commented: "United flight 1681 from Las Vegas to Newark on Saturday, Oct. 24, safely returned to Las Vegas to address a potential security concern. The flight was delayed overnight due to crew timeout, and departed for Newark on Sunday morning."
