A mid-air security scare forced a Los Angeles-bound United Airlines flight to make an emergency return to Honolulu after a threatening message was discovered inside a restroom.
According to the US Sun, the incident prompted an urgent return to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, where 340 passengers were safely removed and rebooked after authorities searched the aircraft.
United Airlines Flight UA1169 had taken off from Honolulu at approximately 9:40 p.m. on May 20, headed for Los Angeles. Around an hour and a half into the flight, pilots suddenly turned the aircraft around in response to a concerning message. A warning of a possible danger was reportedly discovered written on the mirror inside one of the plane’s restrooms.
Law enforcement officials were alerted and met the aircraft back at the Honolulu airport once it landed. Passengers were not immediately told specifics, but an airline spokesperson later confirmed that the return was due to a "potential security threat" onboard.
No details about the contents of the message were made public. However, the note’s presence led to extensive precautionary procedures, including a search of the aircraft after all passengers had disembarked.
While the aircraft was being examined by authorities, United Airlines began working to transfer passengers to another flight. According to a representative, travelers were successfully rebooked on a flight leaving later that same evening for Los Angeles.
The United flight was not the only Hawaii-related flight affected by a security disturbance that day. Just hours earlier, an entirely separate incident occurred aboard Hawaiian Airlines Flight HA 15 during preparations for departure in San Diego.
As that aircraft was pushing back from the gate, a passenger reportedly made a threatening remark, triggering emergency procedures. In response, the pilot steered the aircraft to a secure part of the airfield where local and federal agencies were waiting.
All passengers were evacuated from the Hawaiian Airlines flight while law enforcement, including K-9 units, conducted a thorough search of the plane. No suspicious items were found onboard during the subsequent inspection.
Eyewitness reports from Flight HA 15 describe tense moments as a passenger was detained. Navy sailor Isai Solorzano, who was on the plane, said a man was asked to stand, handcuffed, and escorted off the aircraft by authorities.
The detained individual was questioned by law enforcement after raising concerns related to his luggage. It remains unclear if charges were filed or if the person is currently in custody pending further investigation.
A spokesperson for Hawaiian Airlines addressed the bomb scare, stating that, “During pushback from the gate, a guest was overheard making a threat to the safety of our aircraft.” The airline emphasized the importance of caution and the professionalism of the crew during the event.
Both airlines issued statements recognizing the swift and careful actions taken by pilots and crew. Hawaiian Airlines extended appreciation to passengers for their cooperation and understanding during the event.
“We appreciate their understanding during this situation and apologize for any concern this may have caused," Hawaiian Airlines shared. "We are grateful for the professionalism and care of our flight attendants and pilots throughout this event.”
United Airlines also expressed its commitment to passenger safety and confirmed that operations resumed smoothly later that evening. No injuries or damages were reported in either flight disruption, according to flight officials and law enforcement agencies.
As of now, authorities have not released additional details about the messages or identified any suspects in the United Airlines case. Inspectors cleared the aircraft after the inspection, confirming there were no actual devices or threats onboard.
Investigators plan to continue reviewing both incidents to determine if a connection exists between them, though they currently appear unrelated. Both situations highlight how flight crews and airport security remain vigilant in managing in-flight risks.
Although the incidents alarmed travelers, airline officials noted that flight crews and security teams followed proper protocols without delay, demonstrating the effectiveness of their emergency preparedness training and cooperation among agencies.
