United Flight Diverted After Passenger Sent Hijack Threat Text

A United Airlines flight carrying 150 passengers was diverted back to Las Vegas on October 24, 2026, after a flight attendant discovered a passenger sending text messages about hijacking and crashing the aircraft. Flight 1681 departed Harry Reid International Airport at approximately 11 p.m. local time bound for Newark, New Jersey. About 20 minutes after takeoff, a flight attendant observed an incoming text message on another passenger's phone from seat 10C that read, "I'm gonna hijack this [expletive] and crash ur row only." The attendant identified the message as a potential aircraft security threat and notified the flight crew. Following standard procedures, the crew waited until the aircraft reached 10,000 feet before briefing the captain. The aircraft returned to Las Vegas less than an hour after departure.

Dante Raymond Milne, a 25-year-old from Woodridge, New Jersey, was arrested on October 25 and charged with making a threat or providing false information regarding an act of terrorism, a charge carrying a possible sentence of 1 to 20 years in prison. According to the arrest report, Milne was in Las Vegas for a three-day apprenticeship training program for work as an underwater welder. He told detectives he had consumed beer and shots at an airport bar before boarding and intended to sleep during the flight. When questioned about the messages, Milne initially could not recall their content, then characterized the wording as poorly stated and described the exchange as "banter between coworkers." He denied intending to hijack the aircraft, crash it, or harm anyone, and expressed remorse regarding the incident. Milne posted bond on a $20,000 bail and his attorney indicated plans to plead not guilty at an initial court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, January 5.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it will investigate the incident. United Airlines stated the flight returned safely to address a "potential security concern." The aircraft was delayed overnight and departed for Newark on Sunday morning. The FAA also noted that there have been over 1,400 unruly passenger incidents reported in 2026.