Bluetooth device named 'bomb' forces US-bound flight to Spain to return

A United Airlines flight bound for Palma de Mallorca, Spain, made an emergency return to Newark Liberty International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a security scare involving a passenger's Bluetooth device. The device had reportedly been renamed 'BOMB', triggering alarm among the crew and passengers.

According to passenger accounts, the flight crew instructed all passengers to disconnect their Bluetooth devices immediately, citing a directive from United's Chicago headquarters. They warned that failure to comply would necessitate a return to the airport. Despite repeated requests, at least two devices remained active.

The pilots subsequently decided to turn back to Newark. Audio recordings revealed the threat originated from a device with a "four-letter word" name, which passengers identified as 'BOMB'. Bluetooth devices, such as headphones, can be renamed, and these names are visible to nearby devices.

Upon landing, passengers were evacuated while security personnel inspected the aircraft. Authorities determined the incident was caused by the device's name. A 16-year-old passenger has been identified as responsible and faces potential serious legal repercussions, though the specific charges are yet to be announced.

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They said that a person had done something with Bluetooth that endangered the flight's safety.