Daijiworld Media Network - San Juan

San Juan, Jul 4: In a bizarre incident, an American Airlines flight from Puerto Rico to Dallas was forced to turn back mid-air after a passenger misinterpreted a fellow traveller’s phone message containing the acronym "RIP" (Rest In Peace), sparking a panic about a potential threat.

Flight AA 1847 had departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan and was en route to Dallas Fort Worth when the woman passenger alerted the crew that she had seen the message “RIP” on another passenger’s mobile phone screen and feared the flight was in danger.

The crew acted in line with protocol and informed the cockpit, prompting the pilot to initiate emergency procedures and divert the flight back to San Juan, where it landed safely about 30 minutes after take-off.

“American Airlines flight 1847… returned to SJU shortly after departure due to a possible security concern,” the airline confirmed in a statement. “Law enforcement inspected and cleared the aircraft to re-depart. Safety and security are our top priorities and we apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.”

Authorities later clarified that the "RIP" message was in reference to a personal tragedy—the passenger had lost a relative the previous day.

“It was a mix-up that was handled in accordance with safety protocols. There was no real threat to the flight or its passengers,” said Nelman Nevarez, Aerostar’s director of operations.

The flight resumed its journey after the brief disruption, with all passengers safe.