A United Airlines flight bound for Palma de Mallorca, Spain, turns back to Newark Liberty International Airport after reports of a possible security threat during the flight. The aircraft departs Newark at around 6 p.m. local time and lands back in Newark at 9:37 p.m., according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Multiple outlets report that security personnel inspect the aircraft after the concern is raised.
United states the Boeing 767 carries 190 passengers and 12 crew members. One report cites air-traffic-control audio indicating that security checks relate to a Bluetooth device and an alleged four-letter word, though details of how the device was identified are not fully described in the available summaries.
The Guardian also notes that this incident follows the previous day’s disruption involving another United flight, which was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, after an unruly passenger allegedly tried to breach the cockpit. The available reports focus on the Spain-bound flight’s midair return and subsequent inspection at Newark, without providing further conclusions about whether any threat was confirmed.
