United Flight Returns to Las Vegas After Crew Reports Hijacking Text

October 27, 2026 — A United Airlines (UA) flight from Las Vegas to Newark turned back after a flight attendant reported seeing a passenger texting about a hijacking, leaving travelers more than eight hours late.

What happened

Flight: UA1681, Las Vegas–Newark, Boeing 737 MAX 8, about 150 passengers and six crew.
Date: Saturday, October 24.
The report: According to the air traffic control recording, a flight attendant saw a passenger texting about hijacking the aircraft. The pilots secured the cockpit and returned to Las Vegas. The pilot told controllers the passenger did not appear to know anything was happening.
Landing: The aircraft was still heavy with fuel. The crew asked for time to burn fuel and warned they might need the full runway.
Aftermath: The crew timed out, so the flight left at about 7 a.m. Sunday and reached Newark more than eight hours late.
United’s statement: United called it a “potential security concern.”

Passenger accounts differ. One said three people were taken off in handcuffs and two were later released. Another was told it was a law enforcement matter with a K9 sweep. A third said the captain announced someone had boarded without a ticket. View from the Wing notes these details come from passenger posts and the ATC recording and have not been independently confirmed. Whether anyone was charged: TBA.

What it means for non-revs

Crew timeouts ripple into the next morning. When a flight returns and the crew runs out of duty time, the recovery flight the next day carries the displaced passengers. If you are listed on an early flight out of the same station, expect it to be full.
For crew traveling as passengers: this is a reminder that what you text on board can be seen. Keep conversations about security topics off your screen in the cabin.