United jet returns to Las Vegas after passenger terror threat report

A United Airlines jet heading to Newark, New Jersey, turned around and landed back in Las Vegas on Saturday night after crew members received a report of a terroristic threat. The aircraft departed the airport and returned less than one hour later, according to Flightradar24 data. All 150 passengers on board were safe upon the plane's arrival.

Las Vegas police detained a 25-year-old male passenger during the incident. Officers arrested him on charges of making a threat or providing false information regarding an act of terrorism. The department did not immediately release specific details about the exact words spoken or actions taken by the man.

United Airlines stated the flight was returning to address a potential security concern. The airline confirmed the plane was delayed overnight and departed for Newark the following Sunday morning. The Federal Aviation Administration described the situation as a passenger disturbance reported by the flight crew.

The FAA said it will investigate the incident. In an email to The Associated Press, the agency noted that it has recorded more than 1,400 unruly passenger incidents in the United States so far in 2026. This figure tracks behavior ranging from loud arguments to physical altercations on commercial flights.

An attorney representing the arrested man did not immediately return a request for comment. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday. Police continue to review the circumstances surrounding the threat that prompted the immediate turnaround.