FBI detain passenger over hoax bomb threat
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading an investigation following a security incident on the tarmac at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
A hoax bomb threat was verbally uttered on a Frontier Airlines flight 2539 which had landed from John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
It happened as the flight was taxiing to the gate.
The threat was said by an ‘unruly’ passenger.
It is thought to have been sparked by an argument between a man and his seatmate.
“He is starting to threaten to kill the lady who’s sitting next to him, and he is saying that he has a bomb on board,” the pilot reportedly told air traffic control.
“As a matter of precaution and in coordination with local authorities, the aircraft parked at a remote location while law enforcement responded,” the airline said.
It was deemed a non-credible threat although passengers were deplaned from stairs and taken by bus to the terminal.
The airport said all passengers deplaned without incident and no injuries were reported.
There was no disruption to normal flight operations.
Atlanta Police responded, followed by the FBI.
“The FBI can assure the traveling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident,” it said.
A full investigation is ongoing although no charges have been filed yet.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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