A United Airlines flight bound for New Jersey returned to Las Vegas shortly after take-off after a crew member reportedly spotted a passenger sending text messages about hijacking the aircraft.
The incident involved United Flight 1681, which departed Harry Reid International Airport for Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday, October 24, with 150 passengers and six crew members on board.
According to a report by the California Post, the flight attendant alerted the pilot after noticing the messages, prompting the crew to initiate security measures and turn the aircraft back to Las Vegas.
The pilot reportedly told an air traffic controller that the crew had gone into lockdown before deciding to return to the departure airport.
When the controller asked whether the passenger was cooperating or had been restrained, the pilot indicated that the individual was unaware of the situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft returned safely to Harry Reid International Airport at about 11:05 p.m. local time following reports of a passenger disturbance.
Following the landing, the aircraft and passengers were subjected to security checks, while travellers were subsequently transferred to an alternative flight that departed on Sunday morning.
Authorities have not released the identity of the passenger involved in the incident.
The FAA is investigating the incident to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported threat.
