United Flight Turns Back to Las Vegas After Crew Spots Passenger's Hijack Text; Man Arrested

LAS VEGAS — A United Airlines plane that was scheduled to fly to Newark came back to Las Vegas on Saturday night after a flight attendant spotted a passenger texting about taking over the plane. Police have since arrested a 25-year-old man.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 150 passengers and six crew members was en route from Harry Reid International Airport at just before 11 p.m. local time Saturday, Oct. 24. Soon after takeoff, the crew raised the alarm. The pilot's communication with air traffic control was logged, and he told air traffic control that the flight attendant saw the passenger "texting that he was going to hijack the aircraft" and called the cockpit.

The pilots locked the cockpit and communicated with controllers that there was no need for restraint because the passenger was not aware of any action taking place. The crew also requested some additional minutes prior to landing to get ready and to use up extra fuel.

What officials said

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the flight safely landed around 11:05 p.m. in Harry Reid, citing a “passenger disturbance” from the crew. The agency will investigate the incident, it said.

United failed to specify what kind of threat it is. The airline said in a statement that the aircraft had returned safely to Las Vegas, where it was being investigated for an "attempt at a possible security concern," adding that the flight had been delayed overnight due to crew "timing-out" and then departed for Newark the following morning. No injuries were reported, a spokesman for the U.S. Sen. Harry Reid said, and the airport officials called on the airline and the Las Vegas police for additional details.

Suspect identified

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Monday that the suspect is 25-year-old Dante Milne. Police said they were called to the airport about a man who allegedly made "terroristic threats" on a flight, and they did not have to detain him. Milne was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on a count of making a threat related to an act of terrorism.

Police have not disclosed the contents of the text message or who it was sent to. Like every arrest, Milne is presumed innocent until he is found guilty in court.

Passengers delayed overnight

The delay was due to the crew having gone over their duty hours, so it was not until Sunday morning. The departure was delayed until about 7 a.m., and a passenger reported that everyone received a meal ticket. The plane arrived at Newark on Sunday.

Additionally, some passengers told reporters that they heard a man, who should not have been on board, would be on board. The man's presence has not been confirmed by officials.

The crew's silence after locking down the cockpit and keeping the passenger unaware until police arrived until that plane will surely get the attention of the aviation-security observers. The investigation by the FAA is continuing, and more information may become available as the case goes to court.