United flight diverted after passenger texts hijacking threat

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 15:31 · Archive

A United Airlines flight was diverted to Las Vegas after a flight attendant spotted a passenger texting about hijacking the plane.

United Airlines Flight 1681 was diverted to Las Vegas after a flight attendant spotted a passenger sending text messages referring to hijacking the aircraft on 24 October. The flight was carrying 150 passengers and six crew members from Harry Reid International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport when the crew member noticed the messages, did not engage with the passenger, and immediately alerted the pilot.

The pilot put the plane into lockdown and returned to Las Vegas, landing safely around 11:05 p.m. When an air traffic controller asked whether the passenger was cooperative or under restraint, the pilot said the traveller showed 'no restraint' because 'he's unaware' of what had happened.

After landing, all passengers were removed from the aircraft and underwent comprehensive inspection along with the plane itself. The passengers were subsequently placed on an alternative flight, which departed from Harry Reid International Airport on Sunday morning. The identity of the passenger has not been released. The FAA continues to investigate the incident.

How it is being reported

• United flight forced to turn around midair after crew member spotted horrifying text on passenger’s phoneA United Airlines flight heading to New Jersey returned to Las Vegas following an apparent hijacking threat Saturday.New York Post · 26 Oct, 15:22
• United flight diverted after flight attendant spots passenger texting about hijackingA United flight made an emergency landing in Las Vegas over the weekend after the pilot told air traffic controllers a flight attendant saw a passenger texting that he planned to hijack the aircraft. Kris Van Cleave has more.CBS News · 26 Oct, 13:45

In this story: United Airlines · Las Vegas · Newark · Harry Reid International Airport · FAA

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