A Device Named “Bomb” Forces Transatlantic Flight to Return

Flight Returned Over Bomb Alert

Bluetooth Activated Security Protocol

Teenager Was Detained

A United Airlines flight traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, had to return to its departure point after a Bluetooth device identified with the word “BOMB” triggered a security alert during the trip.

The situation forced the crew and pilots to activate security protocols while the aircraft was already over the Atlantic Ocean, causing the flight to return and undergo a full inspection after landing.

The Bomb Alert Emerged While the Plane Was Already Crossing the Atlantic

#International | A United Airlines plane covering the route between Newark, New Jersey, and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, had to return shortly after takeoff because of a Bluetooth device that a passenger had named “bomb,” according to passengers who spoke to… pic.twitter.com/Yu2L3eyiYI

— ICN.Digital (@ICNDigital) May 31, 2026

According to EFE, the flight departed from Newark Liberty International Airport at 5:58 p.m. Saturday bound for Palma de Mallorca.

Based on information provided by passengers to aviation outlets, the situation occurred approximately two hours after takeoff.

At that moment, the crew asked all passengers to immediately disconnect their Bluetooth devices.

According to testimony collected by AirLive, flight attendants explained that the instruction came from United Airlines’ headquarters in Chicago.

They also warned that if the devices were not turned off, the aircraft would have to return to its airport of origin.

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One passenger said the crew reported that someone had taken a Bluetooth-related action that compromised the flight’s security.

After several announcements to passengers, at least two devices remained on.

Pilots Decided to Return to the Airport

United Airlines bomb alert over name of device – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Because not all requested devices were turned off, the pilots chose to return to Newark.

The decision was made while the plane was in the middle of the Atlantic.

According to an audio recording of communications between the cockpit and air traffic control, the alert originated from a device identified by a specific four-letter word.

Passengers consulted by aviation media said the visible name was “BOMB.”

Bluetooth devices allow users to change the name under which they appear to nearby devices.

That name can be detected by other devices within connection range.

The situation was treated as a possible security threat, leading to the activation of the corresponding procedures.

United Airlines Aircraft Inspected and Teenager Detained Over Bomb Alert

After landing back in Newark, authorities ordered passengers to evacuate.

Travelers left the aircraft with their passports and mobile phones while the inspection took place.

Security personnel searched the plane to rule out any risk.

The checks determined that there was no dangerous device on board.

Authorities concluded that the alert was related only to the name assigned to the Bluetooth device.

According to the cited media reports, the person responsible was identified as a 16-year-old teenager.

He was later detained by authorities.

So far, no charges that could be filed against him have been disclosed.

However, reports indicate that the incident could lead to significant legal consequences.

The case disrupted an international flight and triggered security measures that forced the aircraft to return to the United States before continuing its planned route to Spain.