Bluetooth device triggers return flight for American Airlines plane over Atlantic

An American Airlines flight bound for Europe made an unexpected return to Newark Liberty International Airport just hours after its departure. The plane, carrying 190 passengers and 12 crew members, circled back to New Jersey due to a security concern involving active Bluetooth devices. Flight attendants had repeatedly asked passengers to turn off their electronic gadgets, but two devices reportedly remained active.

Air traffic control recordings, obtained by CBS News, indicated that authorities ordered a security check prompted by a Bluetooth device. While the specific device was not named, the mention of a "four-letter word" suggests a potential sensitivity or specific protocol related to its activation.

Upon landing back at Newark, passengers were evacuated from the aircraft. The plane was then subjected to a thorough inspection by airport authorities and law enforcement. Subsequently, passengers underwent secondary screening by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and customs and border protection officials before being allowed back into the terminal.