⚑ Travel troubleNovember 14, 2026
A United flight from Las Vegas to Newark returned to the airport after a passenger said he got a text from another passenger about hijacking the plane, according to an arrest report described by FOX5 Las Vegas. The man who allegedly sent it told detectives it was banter between coworkers.
The short version
Where: Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas
Airline or carrier: United Flight 1681, bound for Newark
What happened: A text about a hijacking; the plane returned to Las Vegas
Outcome: One passenger arrested; his lawyer says they plan to plead not guilty
A text from seat 10C
According to the arrest report as described by FOX5, United Flight 1681 left Las Vegas for Newark, New Jersey, at about 11 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2026. The passenger in seat 37D told an officer he received a text from a passenger in seat 10C. The report quotes the message as "I'm gonna hijack this b---- and crash ur row only," with the profanity censored in the source. A flight attendant told a detective she saw the incoming message on the 37D passenger's phone.
The report says the crew waited until the plane passed 10,000 feet before telling the captain, and did not confront the passenger. The plane returned to Las Vegas. Police arrested Dante Raymond Milne, of Woodridge, New Jersey, on Oct. 25. FOX5 reported that bail was listed at $20,000 and that the FAA is also investigating.
The legal side
Milne is charged with making a threat or false information regarding an act of terrorism, according to FOX5. He told detectives he was in Las Vegas for a three-day apprenticeship program for his work as an underwater welder, and said he drank beer and shots at an airport bar. He described the text as "banter between coworkers" and denied intending to hijack or crash the plane or harm anyone, the report says. It also says he expressed remorse. He posted bond, and his attorney told a judge on Oct. 27 that they plan to plead not guilty.
What happens next
Milne is due back in court Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027, according to FOX5.
The FAA is also investigating, FOX5 reported.
Charges are accusations, not findings of guilt.
Milne's attorney has said he will plead not guilty. His next court date is Jan. 5, 2027.
Sources
FOX5 Las Vegas: 'I'm gonna hijack': Man accused of making threats on flight tells police it was banter, October 27, 2026
This story is based on the records and reports linked above. Charges, lawsuits, and other accusations are claims, not findings of guilt or liability, unless the story says a court has ruled.
