The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
United Airlines hijack scare: Passenger's texts prompt flight diversion
Passenger's alarming texts about hijacking lead to United Airlines flight diversion; FAA investigates the incident after safe landing in Las Vegas.
A United Airlines flight bound for Newark Liberty International Airport returned to Las Vegas shortly after take-off after a flight attendant reportedly saw a passenger texting that he planned to hijack the aircraft. The flight involved United 1681, carrying 150 passengers and six crew members, and was traveling from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Air traffic control audio indicates the pilot informed controllers the crew had gone into lockdown after the flight attendant observed messages about hijacking. The passenger was described as unaware of the situation and not restrained, and the aircraft was returning to Las Vegas.
The Boeing 737 diverted to circle and burn off fuel, with the pilot noting the aircraft remained overweight and needed to shed weight before landing. The plane landed back at Harry Reid International Airport around 11:05 p.m. local time, according to the FAA.
Passengers were accommodated on an alternative flight the next day after United Airlines indicated the original flight was delayed overnight due to crew duty-time limits. The airport confirmed no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The FAA said it would investigate the incident, and the passenger’s identity had not been released. United Airlines and authorities have not publicly confirmed additional details about the passenger or potential charges.