A United Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey, bound for Palma de Mallorca, Spain, turned around midflight late Saturday after crew and authorities treated a suspicious Bluetooth device name as a potential security threat.
Flight tracking data shows the transatlantic flight, expected to be nearly eight hours, returned to Newark after about 4 hours and 24 minutes in the air. United told NPR the aircraft returned “to address a potential security concern.”
Passengers posted on social media that flight attendants had asked people to power off Bluetooth devices, and several shared photos and videos with timestamps matching the flight’s schedule. Some posts quoted crew announcements expressing frustration, with comments such as “this little joke is ruining it for everyone.”
Archived air traffic control audio reviewed by reporters gives more detail. In the recording, one speaker explains that a security team was on the tarmac because a passenger’s Bluetooth speaker had been given a four-letter name that triggered protocols. The recording says the crew needed to inspect the entire aircraft — including cargo — and that passengers had to disembark.
Self-identified passengers on platforms including TikTok and Reddit reported the Bluetooth network was labeled “BOMB” and said the device belonged to a teenager. Those accounts say the airplane was inspected and later reboarded.
After the return and subsequent checks, the flight departed again and arrived in Palma de Mallorca at 3:47 p.m. local time on Sunday, roughly nine and a half hours behind the original schedule.
Airlines and aviation authorities treat names or messages that imply a threat seriously; even an apparent prank can prompt security procedures, inspections and significant delays. United’s brief statement noted the turnaround was performed to address the potential security issue, and the flight ultimately completed its journey.