world-economy

United Flight Returns to Newark After Security Concern Over Bluetooth Device

A United Airlines flight bound for Palma de Mallorca, Spain reversed course late Saturday and returned to Newark after approximately four hours and 24 minutes in the air due to a potential security concern involving an onboard Bluetooth device.

A passenger had named a Bluetooth speaker with a profanity, prompting the diversion. Flight crew requested all passengers disable their Bluetooth devices during the incident.

Air traffic control communications indicated that security personnel conducted a full aircraft inspection, including the cockpit. Multiple passengers documented the diversion on social media, with timestamps confirming their presence on the flight.

United confirmed the diversion in a statement, citing the need to address the security concern. The airline did not provide additional details regarding any enforcement actions taken.