A United Airlines flight was forced to turn back to its departure airport on Saturday after a flight attendant spotted a passenger sending messages that referred to taking control of the plane.
United Flight 1681, carrying 150 passengers and six crew members, was travelling from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey when the incident occurred.
Pilot Reports Threat to Air Traffic Control
The pilot informed an air traffic controller shortly after takeoff: “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 added that the passengers showed "no restraint" because "he's unaware".
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said: “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."
Passenger Arrested and Flight Rescheduled
All passengers were removed from the flight after it landed back in Las Vegas, and the plane underwent a comprehensive inspection, authorities said.
Dante Milne, 25, was arrested on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism, according to PEOPLE.
Passengers flew the following day after being given an alternative flight.
