Security Threat Diverts United Airlines Flight Back to Newark

A United Airlines flight destined for Spain returned to Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday after a potential security threat. This disruption happened shortly after takeoff.

Scheduled for Palma de Mallorca, Spain, the flight left Newark around 6 p.m. However, the aircraft landed back at the airport by 9:37 p.m., as reported by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Onboard the Boeing 767 were 190 passengers accompanied by 12 crew members. Air traffic control audio indicates the event was tied to a Bluetooth device. Someone had suspiciously named their device with a four-letter word.

Social media posts from passengers describe repeated requests by the crew to turn off all Bluetooth devices. Despite this, two devices remained active. Communication with United Airlines’ Chicago headquarters led to the decision to turn the flight around.

Upon return, passengers evacuated. Port Authority police conducted a sweep of the aircraft. Passengers underwent fresh screening by TSA and Customs and Border Patrol before reboarding. The airline did not detail the incident’s cause.

A replacement flight left with a new crew early Sunday morning. This flight successfully reached Palma in the afternoon.

This incident adds to a string of disruptions for United Airlines this month. On Friday, a domestic flight was redirected due to an unruly passenger. Earlier in the month, another United flight collided with a semitrailer truck and a light pole while landing in Newark. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.