A United Airlines flight from Newark, N.J., to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, turned around mid-flight on Saturday due to a security concern involving a Bluetooth device named 'BOMB.' The Boeing 767 aircraft, carrying 190 passengers and 12 crew members, departed around 6 p.m. but returned to Newark at 9:37 p.m., according to flight tracking data and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. United Airlines confirmed the U-turn was due to a 'potential security concern,' later clarified by air traffic control audio as a Bluetooth device labeled 'BOMB.'
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The flight, scheduled for an eight-hour journey, was in the air for 4 hours and 24 minutes before returning. Passengers were asked to turn off their Bluetooth devices, but two remained active. The aircraft was inspected by Port Authority police, and passengers were rescreened by TSA and Customs and Border Patrol before reboarding. A replacement flight with a new crew departed early Sunday morning and landed in Palma de Mallorca in the afternoon.
Deeper Dive & Context
Security Protocol and Response
United Airlines declined to provide specifics on the cause of the incident but stated the flight turned around to address a potential security concern. Air traffic control audio revealed that a Bluetooth device named 'BOMB' triggered the inspection. The aircraft and cargo area were swept, and passengers were rescreened before reboarding.
Passenger Reactions
Multiple posts on social media from self-identified passengers indicated confusion and frustration. Some passengers reported in-flight announcements with comments like 'this little joke is ruining it for everyone.' Others noted that crew members repeatedly asked passengers to turn off their Bluetooth devices.
Recent Incidents
This incident follows other recent issues with United Airlines flights. On Friday, a domestic flight was diverted due to an unruly passenger. Earlier this month, a United flight landing at Newark struck a semitrailer truck and a light pole, though no one was injured.