A New Jersey resident is accused of threatening to hijack a United Airlines flight, as detailed in a recent arrest report. Dante Milne, age 25, allegedly issued the threat while aboard United Airlines Flight 1681, which was en route from Las Vegas to Newark, New Jersey. The Boeing 737 carried 150 passengers and six crew members.
According to the arrest report, Milne allegedly sent a message to a coworker stating, “I’m gonna hijack this b—- and crash ur row only.” The message, categorized as poorly worded banter, was reportedly observed by a flight attendant shortly after the plane’s departure. Crew members alerted the captain, who subsequently secured the cockpit and redirected the aircraft back to Las Vegas.
United Airlines planes at Newark Liberty International Airport on Nov. 3, 2025.
The flight landed at Harry Reid International Airport around 11:05 p.m. and was delayed overnight due to the crew reaching their permitted working hours; it departed for Newark the next morning. United Airlines confirmed this update to Fox News Digital.
Authorities charged Milne with conveying threats or false information regarding an act of terrorism. The report indicated that Milne had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages before the flight.
When questioned, Milne claimed he fell asleep on the plane and was unaware of the diversion. He recalled texting someone but couldn’t remember the content. When asked specifically about the hijack threat, he characterized it as a misunderstanding and expressed regret over the incident.
Milne mentioned that his return from Las Vegas followed a three-day underwater welding apprenticeship program. Air traffic control audio captured the pilot explaining that the passenger, unaware of the situation, hadn’t realized the flight turned around because of him.
The passenger does not know anything is going on,” the pilot communicated to air traffic control.
Milne was released on a $10,000 bail and plans to plead not guilty. A court appearance is scheduled for January 5. After the incident, United Airlines emphasized the return was to address a “potential security concern.”
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the incident under investigation, noting the disruption onboard. Fox News Digital’s contributors include Jessica Mekles and Sophia Compton.