A United Airlines Boeing 767 bound for Palma de Mallorca took off from Newark at about 6 p.m. on Saturday,but was forced to turn around three hours later after a teenager’s Fitbit broadcast a Bluetooth network named “BOMB.” The aircraft landed back at Newark Liberty International Airport at roughly 9:30 p.m., and all 190 passengers and 12 crew members were evacuated for security checks.

Fitbit labeled “BOMB” triggers alarm on United Flight 236

According to passenger Jordan Moore, who posted the incident on TikTok, the device’s name continued to appear online even after crew members asked everyone to disable Bluetooth. The alarm was flagged by the plane’s security system as a “suspicious Bluetooth device,” prompting the captain to halt the flight and return to Newark.

Port Authority sweep and re‑screening of 190 passengers

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that police with K9 units inspected the aircraft after it landed, and the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Patrol re‑screened every passenger before they were allowed to board again. No injuries were reported,and the aircraft was cleared to deaprt after the sweep.

Flight 236’s delayed departure and crew change

United Airlines said the flight resumed after a new crew took over,with the plane departing again at 2:19 a.m. the following morning. Flight records show the aircraft completed the journey to Palma de Mallorca without further incident.

FBI opens investigation into teenage’s Bluetooth prank

The FBI has taken over the case, although the teenager faces no local charges at this stage, according to the New York Post. Both United and the Port Authority have declined to comment further, and the Daily Mail reported that officials are still assessing whether any additional security protcols are needed.