A United Airlines flight bound for Spain was forced to return to Newark Liberty International Airport after a Bluetooth device name sparked a security scare mid-flight.
The incident happened on Saturday evening aboard United Flight 236, which had departed Newark, New Jersey, for Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
According to reports, the aircraft took off at around 6 p.m. but turned around and landed back in Newark roughly three and a half hours later after crew members were alerted to a suspicious Bluetooth device visible on the plane’s network.
Authorities later determined that the concerning Bluetooth name was linked to a Bluetooth-enabled device belonging to a 16-year-old passenger.
Security Concern Forces Flight to Return
Passengers onboard said flight attendants repeatedly instructed travelers to switch off their Bluetooth devices during the flight.
According to reports, the requests were made after airline staff noticed a Bluetooth device name that raised security concerns. Despite repeated warnings, the device continued appearing among available Bluetooth connections, prompting further action.
Air traffic control recordings later indicated that the suspicious device name led officials to order a full inspection of the aircraft.
One recording reportedly stated that a Bluetooth speaker or device had been given a certain four-letter name, requiring the plane to return so authorities could inspect the aircraft and cargo area.
Passengers Evacuated for Inspection
After landing back in Newark, passengers were asked to leave the aircraft while authorities conducted a security sweep.
Port Authority police searched the plane, while Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection officers rescreened passengers before they were allowed to board again.
United Airlines later confirmed the incident in a statement.
“United Flight 236 from Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain safely returned to Newark to address a potential security concern,” a spokesperson said.
The airline added that the flight eventually continued to Spain with a new crew after the inspections were completed.
FBI Investigating Incident
Authorities determined that the concerning Bluetooth name belonged to a Fitbit carried by a teenage passenger.
While the teenager has not been charged locally, reports indicate that the FBI is investigating the situation.
What may have been intended as a joke ended up causing major disruption for everyone onboard. According to airline records, the flight eventually arrived in Spain approximately nine hours behind schedule.
Fortunately, no actual threat was found, and all 190 passengers were ultimately able to continue their journey safely.
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