United Airlines flight diverted after hijack text passenger claims was drunken 'banter'

A United Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Newark turned back to Las Vegas after a passenger texted what was described as a hijack message, prompting crew to raise a security alert.

Dante Milne, a 25-year-old trainee welder from New Jersey, was arrested on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism. Authorities say his text raised concerns mid-flight.

The incident occurred on United Airlines Flight 1681, which had 150 passengers and six crew members aboard. After the flight crew alerted air traffic control, the pilot made the decision to return to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

Upon landing, passengers were evacuated and a thorough search of the aircraft was conducted. The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane returned safely to Las Vegas around 11:05 p.m. local time, and the FAA announced it would investigate the event.

Milne reportedly told investigators that he had been drinking prior to boarding and that the hijack message was drunken banter between coworkers. He stated he never intended to hijack the plane and apologized for the situation.