Major airline delays 150 passengers overnight following serious in-flight threat

A United Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Newark returned to the airport late Saturday after crew reported a potential security concern involving a passenger. The plane landed safely, and the incident matters because it prompted an FAA investigation and led to the arrest of a man suspected of making terrorism-related threats.

The Boeing 737 was carrying 150 passengers and six crew members. Air traffic control audio indicates a flight attendant saw the passenger texting about hijacking the aircraft; a pilot said the passenger was unaware of the response and was compliant. The crew exceeded its permitted working hours, delaying departure until Sunday morning, and the aircraft made two loops to burn fuel before landing. Police said a 25-year-old man was arrested and booked at the Clark County Detention Center.