United Airlines flight diverts back to Newark after Bluetooth device’s name sparks security scare
A United Airlines flight from Newark to Spain was diverted back to Newark due to a security scare involving a Bluetooth device. The device, a Fitbit, was named 'bomb' by a 16-year-old passenger, prompting authorities to investigate. The flight eventually continued to its destination with a new crew after the situation was resolved.
- ▪The flight took off from Newark Liberty International Airport but turned around after a suspicious Bluetooth device was detected.
- ▪The alarming name was linked to a Fitbit owned by a teenager on board.
- ▪Passengers were evacuated and rescreened by security before the flight continued to Spain.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Metro United Airlines flight diverts back to Newark after Bluetooth device’s name sparks security scare By Larry Celona and Brandon Cruz Published May 31, 2026 Updated May 31, 2026, 7:20 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google A Spain-bound United Airlines flight out of Newark turned around mid-flight on Saturday because a teenager named his Fitbit “bomb” and it popped up on available Bluetooth devices, officials and sources said. The plane took off from Newark Liberty International Airport at about 6 p.m., but landed back at Newark by roughly 9:30 p.m after security was flagged to inspect a suspicious Bluetooth device onboard that showed up as “bomb,” sources told The Post.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from New York Post
