United Airlines Delays Departure After Suspect Arrested in Las Vegas

United Airlines grounded a flight bound for Newark, New Jersey, for nearly 13 hours after a passenger was arrested in Las Vegas on Saturday night. The airline confirmed that the jet, which carried 150 people, returned to the airport less than one hour after taking off.

Las Vegas police detained a 25-year-old man following a report that he made a terroristic threat. Officers booked him on charges of making a threat or providing false information regarding an act of terrorism. Authorities did not specify the exact words or actions alleged in the initial report.

The Federal Aviation Administration described the event as a passenger disturbance. The agency stated it would open an investigation into the incident. In a separate email sent to the Associated Press, the FAA noted that it has recorded more than 1,400 unruly passenger incidents across the country so far in 2026.

United Airlines labeled the return to the tarmac as a response to a potential security concern. The carrier delayed the scheduled redeye departure until Sunday morning. Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft landed back in Las Vegas shortly after its initial liftoff.

The suspect’s attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment. His first court appearance is set for Tuesday. The flight eventually departed for Newark on Sunday morning, allowing passengers to reach their destination with an overnight delay.