A United Airlines flight from Newark Liberty International Airport bound for Palma de Mallorca, Spain, turned back midflight late Saturday after crews became concerned about a suspicious Bluetooth device name on board. Flight tracking data shows the jet, which normally would have completed the nearly eight-hour transatlantic trip, returned to Newark after about 4 hours and 24 minutes in the air.
United told NPR the aircraft was diverted “to address a potential security concern.” Passengers later posted on social media that flight attendants had asked people to switch off Bluetooth devices, and several travelers shared photos and videos that match the flight’s timing and route.
Archived air-traffic-control audio captured and preserved by LiveATC.net adds detail: one controller asked what had happened, and another replied that a security team was inspecting the aircraft because someone had a Bluetooth speaker whose network name used a certain four-letter word. The exchange noted the plane and cargo area would have to be searched and passengers temporarily evacuated.
Passengers on TikTok and Reddit reported that the visible Bluetooth network was labeled ‘BOMB.’ One post said the device appeared to be a teenager’s speaker. Social-media commenters described in-flight announcements and frustration from passengers but confirmed the safety procedures were followed.
After the inspection and a pause on the ground, the flight reboarded and continued to Palma de Mallorca, ultimately arriving at about 3:47 p.m. local time on Sunday — roughly nine and a half hours late.
United did not provide additional operational details beyond the statement about addressing a potential security concern. The episode underscores how seemingly small items or jokes — in this case, a device name — can trigger serious security protocols on commercial aircraft, causing major delays and safety inspections.