On May 20, 2025, United Airlines Flight 1169, en route from Honolulu to Los Angeles, was forced to return to Hawaii after a threatening message was discovered on a lavatory mirror. The flight, carrying 339 passengers and 10 crew members, departed Daniel K. Inouye International Airport at approximately 9:40 p.m. local time. About an hour and a half into the flight, crew members found the message, which indicated the presence of a bomb on board. In response, the pilot declared an emergency, and the aircraft turned back, landing safely in Honolulu at 1:35 a.m. the following morning.
Immediate Response and Security Measures
Upon landing, the aircraft was met by law enforcement officials, including the FBI, who conducted a thorough security sweep of the plane. Passengers were evacuated and rebooked on a later flight to Los Angeles. The FBI confirmed their involvement in the investigation but did not provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Honolulu police referred all inquiries to the FBI.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Concerns
This incident follows a similar event just hours earlier. On the same day, Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15, scheduled to depart from San Diego to Honolulu, faced a bomb threat. A 35-year-old military member was arrested in connection with the threat. The flight was delayed, and all 293 passengers were safely evacuated. The aircraft landed in Honolulu after a five-hour delay. Both incidents have raised concerns about aviation security and the potential for copycat threats.
Airline and Passenger Reactions
United Airlines issued a statement expressing their commitment to passenger safety and cooperation with authorities. The airline rebooked affected passengers on a later flight to Los Angeles. Passengers on Flight 1169 reported a tense atmosphere during the ordeal. One passenger, Kouhei Massey, mentioned that everyone had to wait approximately four hours on the tarmac while bomb experts and dogs screened each person individually as they disembarked the aircraft. Another passenger, Christi Wright, stated that she didn’t find out about the security issue until after everyone had evacuated, adding that it was fortunate they didn’t know about it while still on the plane.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI continues to investigate the incident. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the nature of the threat remains unclear. The agency has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the source of the threat and whether it was credible.