A United Airlines flight bound for Newark Liberty International Airport turned around shortly after takeoff from Las Vegas on Saturday night after the crew reported a passenger disturbance that the airline called a potential security concern. The plane landed back at Harry Reid International around 11:05 p.m., and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police took 25-year-old Dante Milne into custody on terrorism-related charges. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center, posted bond on $10,000 bail, and is due in court Tuesday.
The Boeing 737 carried 150 passengers and six crew members. United says no injuries were reported. Because of crew timeout rules, the flight was delayed overnight and departed for Newark the following morning, meaning everyone on board lost a night instead of losing anything worse. The FAA is investigating the incident as well.
So what does this mean for travelers on the Suncoast? Many of us connect through large hubs on the way to visit family up north during snowbird season. When a flight turns back, the airline and law enforcement follow procedures that put the safety of everyone on board first. What do you think about how airlines handle onboard threats and delays? Have you ever had a flight diverted? Drop your story in the comments.
