A man has been arrested after a United Airlines flight carrying 150 passengers and six crew members was forced to turn around following an alleged hijacking threat on Saturday. The incident occurred on United Flight 1681, traveling from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Flight attendant spots threatening messages
A flight attendant noticed a passenger sending messages referring to taking control of the plane and quickly alerted the pilot. The pilot told 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."
Plane returns to Las Vegas
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."
All passengers were removed from the flight after it landed back in Las Vegas, and the plane underwent a comprehensive inspection, authorities said.
Passenger arrested
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.
United Airlines said: "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."
