UNITED FLIGHT RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS AFTER REPORTED HIJACKING TEXT

United Airlines Flight 1681 returned to Las Vegas on Saturday after a flight attendant saw a passenger texting about hijacking the aircraft, according to the pilot. The flight had left Harry Reid International Airport for Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The attendant alerted the pilot shortly after take-off. Describing the crew’s response to an air traffic controller, the pilot said: “We went into lockdown.” The aircraft was carrying 150 passengers and six crew members.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Flight 1681 landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport at about 11.05pm local time on 24 October. The FAA said the crew had reported a passenger disturbance. Authorities removed all passengers from the aircraft after it landed and carried out a comprehensive inspection of the plane. Dante Milne was arrested on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning acts of terrorism.

The FAA said it would investigate the flight’s return to Las Vegas. It directed requests for further information about the passenger and the flight to United Airlines and local authorities. Passengers received an alternative flight for the journey to Newark after leaving the aircraft in Las Vegas. They travelled the following day.