FAA investigating potential hijacking threat aboard Las Vegas United flight
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A United Airlines flight heading for New Jersey had to return to Las Vegas after a flight attendant reportedly noticed a traveler texting about potentially hijacking the plane.
United Flight 1681 was carrying 150 passengers and six crew members as it traveled from Harry Reid International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport Saturday night when a flight attendant noticed alarming messages on a passenger’s phone, according to CBS News.
“The flight attendant saw him texting that he was going to hijack the aircraft. They called me, we went into lockdown, and we returned to Vegas,” the flight’s pilot told an air traffic controller, according to audio of the call obtained by CBS.
“United Airlines Flight 1681 returned safely to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas around 11:05 p.m. local time on Saturday, Oct. 24, after the crew reported a passenger disturbance,” the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
After the flight returned to Vegas, all of the passengers were removed and underwent an inspection, authorities said. Passengers were placed on another flight that left the following morning.
Authorities have not shared the identity of the passenger, and it was not immediately clear whether they were detained upon landing.
The FAA says it is investigating the incident.
This is a developing story, check back for updates…
