A United Airlines flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Palma de Mallorca was forced to return after a bomb threat scare triggered by a 16-year-old passenger naming his Bluetooth device “BOMB”.
The incident occurred about an hour into the overnight flight on a Boeing 767-400ER (registration N67052). The device name was visible on other passengers’ in-flight entertainment screens, crew devices, and nearby phones, which immediately caused alarm and prompted a code 7700 emergency squawk.
Flight crew members responded quickly by instructing all passengers repeatedly over the loudspeaker to turn off their Bluetooth devices. Despite these announcements, the device remained active, raising concerns among the crew.
The Purser emphasised the importance of switching off Bluetooth technology to comply with security protocols. When the device continued to be active, the decision was made to return the flight as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
Upon landing back at Newark, the aircraft was met by security officials who conducted a thorough investigation. Passengers were safely disembarked, and it was confirmed that the suspected bomb threat originated solely from the Bluetooth device name rather than any actual danger.
Originally published by UKNIP.
