Overview
- A United Airlines Newark–Palma flight departed Saturday evening and turned back about two hours into the transatlantic trip after crew reported a nearby Bluetooth device broadcasting a name that included the word “BOMB.”
- Cabin crew said they were instructed from United's operations to order all passengers to turn off Bluetooth, and pilots decided to divert when at least two devices remained active and the name persisted on radio communications.
- On landing at Newark Liberty, a large emergency response of police, fire and medical teams inspected the aircraft while passengers were evacuated one by one carrying only passports and phones for checks.
- After searches found no explosive device, authorities detained a 16‑year‑old in connection with the device name; formal charges have not been announced and investigations are ongoing.
- The incident underscores that Bluetooth device names are visible to nearby devices and can trigger serious airline safety protocols, which can cause long delays, intensive inspections and potential legal consequences for those involved.