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United Airlines Flight Returns to Las Vegas After Passenger Allegedly Threatens to Hijack Aircraft
LAS VEGAS, NV — October 26, 2026
A United Airlines flight carrying more than 150 people was forced to return to Las Vegas Saturday night after a flight attendant reportedly discovered a passenger sending text messages threatening to hijack the aircraft.
United Airlines Flight 1681 departed Harry Reid International Airport on October 24, bound for Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The Boeing 737 was carrying approximately 150 passengers and six crew members when the alarming discovery prompted the pilots to turn the aircraft around.
Flight Attendant Reports Alleged Hijacking Threat
According to authorities, a flight attendant allegedly observed 25-year-old Dante Milne sending text messages indicating that he intended to hijack the aircraft.
The flight attendant immediately notified the pilots, who initiated security precautions and contacted air traffic control.
Rather than confront the passenger during the flight, the crew reportedly chose to keep him unaware of the situation while arranging a safe return to Las Vegas.
During communications with air traffic control, one of the pilots explained that the passenger had not been informed of the situation and remained cooperative.
The pilots reportedly secured the cockpit and coordinated their return to Harry Reid International Airport.
Aircraft Lands Safely, Suspect Taken Into Custody
Flight 1681 landed safely in Las Vegas at approximately 11:05 p.m. Saturday.
Law enforcement officers were waiting at the gate following a request from the flight crew.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that officers responded to the airport after receiving reports of threats involving an aircraft.
According to police, the individual was detained without incident.
Milne was subsequently arrested on suspicion of making threats or conveying false information concerning an act of terrorism.
He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and court proceedings. An arrest does not establish guilt.
Passengers Delayed Overnight
United Airlines confirmed that the flight was delayed overnight following the incident.
Passengers were ultimately able to depart for Newark the following morning.
The airline did not release additional information regarding the specific contents of the alleged messages or what the flight attendant observed.
Federal Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that it is investigating the incident.
According to the FAA, the aircraft returned safely to Harry Reid International Airport after the crew reported a passenger disturbance.
Federal authorities have not publicly announced additional findings.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Passenger Safety Remains a Priority
The incident highlights the critical role flight attendants and pilots play in identifying potential threats and protecting passengers during commercial flights.
Although the alleged threat did not result in a physical confrontation aboard the aircraft, the flight crew’s decision to return to Las Vegas allowed law enforcement to address the situation on the ground.
No injuries were reported in the information released about the incident.
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Source: The Daily Wire; Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; Federal Aviation Administration; United Airlines.
This report is based on information attributed to authorities and statements provided in the original reporting.
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