United flight returns to Las Vegas after apparent hijacking threat

A United Airlines flight heading to New Jersey returned to Las Vegas following an apparent hijacking threat Saturday.

​United Flight 1681 was carrying 150 passengers and six crew members from Harry Reid International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport on Oct. 24 when a flight attendant noticed a traveler sending messages with reference to taking control of the plane.

The crew member did not engage with the passenger and quickly alerted the pilot.

“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 shortly after the plane took off, reported CBS News.

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.”

“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.

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