United Flight 1681 forced to return to Las Vegas after flight attendant spots passenger texting about hijacking aircraft

A United Airlines flight going to New Jersey returned to Las Vegas following an apparent hijacking threat Saturday, according to New York Post. After the flight attendant spotted a passenger texting about hijacking the aircraft, it prompted the crew to secure the cockpit and alert air traffic control. The report states that ​United Flight 1681 was carrying 150 passengers and six crew members from Harry Reid International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport. The incident happened on October 24 when a flight attendant noticed a traveller sending messages with reference to taking control of the plane.

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What happened aboard United 1681 flight?

The United 1681 flight had departed Las Vegas for Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey, when a flight attendant reportedly noticed a passenger sending text messages indicating an intention to hijack the aircraft. United Airlines confirmed that the aircraft returned safely because of a “potential security concern,” although the airline did not publicly specify the nature of the threat in its initial statement.


The pilot immediately informed controllers about what the flight attendant had seen. The crew then secured the cockpit and decided to return to Las Vegas. “The flight attendant saw him texting that he was going to hijack the aircraft. They called me, we went in lockdown, and we returned to Vegas,” the pilot reportedly told air traffic control. The aircraft landed safely at its departure airport.

When the controller inquired whether the passenger was cooperative or under restraint, the pilot said that the traveler showed “no restraint” because “he’s unaware.”

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FAA issues statement on United 1681 Flight incident

“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 successfully returning to Las Vegas, all passengers who were removed from the flight and the aircraft underwent a comprehensive inspection, authorities said.

The passengers were placed on an alternative flight, which departed from Harry Reid International Airport Sunday morning.

The identity of the passenger has not been released by the authorities. The FAA continues to investigate the incident.

United Airlines described the incident as a “potential security concern” and confirmed that Flight 1681, a Boeing 737 carrying 150 passengers and six crew members, returned safely to Las Vegas.