Las Vegas Man Charged After Threatening United Flight

A passenger faces terrorism threat charges after a flight returned to Harry Reid International Airport.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Terrorism

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a passenger airliner tail fin silhouette, evoking the gravity of an aviation security threat.
Las Vegas authorities charged 25-year-old Dante Milne with terroristic threats after he allegedly threatened to hijack a United Airlines flight. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should federal authorities impose stricter penalties for passengers who threaten airline safety?

Authorities have charged 25-year-old Dante Milne with making threats concerning an act of terrorism. The incident occurred after a flight attendant reported that Milne sent a text message threatening to hijack United Airlines Flight 1681.

Why it matters

The security threat forced the aircraft to return to Las Vegas, disrupting the travel of 150 passengers and six crew members. The flight was diverted when the crew reached their permitted working hours due to the security incident.

Dante Milne has been released on $10,000 bail following his initial court appearance. He is officially charged with one count of making threats or conveying false information concerning an act of terrorism.

The players

Dante Milne

He is a 25-year-old individual who was taken into custody after allegedly making threats on a commercial flight.

United Airlines

This major carrier operates the flight service that was interrupted by the security concern.

Harry Reid International Airport

Located in Las Vegas, this facility serves as a primary aviation hub and the site where the flight landed.

The details

The flight attendant observed the passenger texting about hijacking the plane and alerted the pilot, causing the flight to return to Harry Reid International Airport. Before boarding, the suspect allegedly consumed a beer and several shots at an airport bar.

Timeline

  1. October 24, 2026: United Airlines Flight 1681 returned to Las Vegas.

  2. October 27, 2026: Dante Milne appeared in court for a hearing.

  3. January 5, 2027: Dante Milne is scheduled for a court appearance.

Legal Context

This case follows established federal protocols regarding threats against commercial aircraft operations. Such incidents are prosecuted under strict federal statutes governing the safety and security of civil aviation.

The incident required the emergency return of a flight and local law enforcement intervention at Harry Reid International Airport. Residents and travelers should remain aware that security threats on commercial aircraft trigger immediate, mandatory safety diversions.

The takeaway

Travelers should be aware that threats made in jest or while intoxicated on a flight are treated as serious criminal offenses. Legal consequences for such behavior include federal charges and significant bail requirements.

What happens next

Dante Milne is scheduled for a court appearance on January 5, 2027.

Further reading

For more context on security incidents and investigations, visit the Terrorism section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WHMI 93.5 FM.

Live Poll

Should federal authorities impose stricter penalties for passengers who threaten airline safety?