A routine cross-country flight in the United States took a serious turn late on Saturday the 24th of October 2026, when a passenger allegedly sent messages threatening to hijack the aircraft and crash it.
United Airlines Flight UA1681, operating from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS/KLAS) in Las Vegas to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR/KEWR) in New Jersey, was forced to return to the airport after a member of the cabin crew reportedly spotted the alarming messages.
Shortly after take-off, a flight attendant noticed a text message on a passenger's mobile phone that raised immediate concerns about the safety of the aircraft and everyone on board. According to details contained in a criminal complaint, the message allegedly included the words, “I'm gonna hijack this plane” and “crash ur row only”.
The messages were reportedly sent by a passenger identified as 25-year-old Dante Raymond Milne, who was seated in row 10. The intended recipient was another passenger seated in row 37. The flight attendant recognised the potential seriousness of the message and alerted the lead flight attendant, who subsequently informed the captain.
Rather than confronting the passenger, the crew reportedly maintained a calm cabin environment while the pilots assessed the situation and implemented security procedures. The passenger was apparently unaware that his messages had been detected or that the crew was taking action. The crew's decision to return to Las Vegas meant abandoning the flight to Newark and dealing with a potentially serious security threat while the aircraft was airborne.
Air traffic control recordings subsequently provided an insight into the situation unfolding aboard the aircraft.
In the reported radio exchange, the captain explained that a flight attendant had seen a passenger texting about hijacking the aircraft. The crew had responded by initiating a lockdown and turning back to Las Vegas. When asked by air traffic control whether the passenger was compliant or restrained, the pilot indicated that the individual was unaware of what was happening and remained compliant.
The decision not to confront the passenger in flight was an important aspect of the response. By avoiding a direct confrontation, the crew was able to maintain control of the situation while returning the aircraft to an airport where law enforcement could intervene.
For the passengers on board, the return meant an unexpected diversion. For the crew, it meant managing a security concern while continuing to ensure the aircraft could be landed safely.
Air traffic control was advised of the situation, and the aircraft was given priority to facilitate its return. Following the landing, law enforcement officers responded to the aircraft and detained Milne without incident. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on a charge of making a threat or conveying false information concerning an act of terrorism. The charge is a very serious one, carrying a potential prison sentence of 1 to 20 years under the applicable Nevada law, according to reports on the case.
However, an arrest and criminal charge do not constitute a conviction, and the allegations must still be tested through the legal process. According to the arrest report, Milne told detectives that he had been exchanging messages with a co-worker and characterised the conversation as banter and mucking around.
He denied intending to hijack the aircraft, crash it or hurt anyone. He also reportedly acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and expressed remorse. His lawyer indicated that he intended to plead not guilty. Milne was released on a $10,000 bail payment and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for the 5th of January 2027.
The case remains a reminder that messages which might be intended as funny jokes can have serious consequences when they appear to threaten the safety of an aircraft.
Aircraft Information
Airline: United Airlines
Code: UA/UAL
Aircraft: Boeing 737 Max 8
Registration: N17310
Serial Number: 67566
Engines: 2 x CFMI LEAP-1B
First Flew: June 2023
Age: 3.4 Years
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