Passengers onboard a Delta Airlines flight at New York’s LaGuardia Airport were evacuated on Tuesday evening after a bomb threat was reported shortly before takeoff.
The incident caused significant tension and led to swift security measures as authorities moved passengers away from the aircraft for safety checks.
The flight, identified as Delta Flight 2313 and scheduled to depart for Minneapolis, was halted after the cabin crew alerted airport authorities about a possible security concern linked to a bomb threat. Security officials immediately stopped boarding and moved the aircraft to a secure area while passengers were transported back to the terminal.
Delta Airlines confirmed the incident and apologised to travellers for the disruption. In a statement, the airline said, “Prior to departure, customers on Delta Flight 2313 to Minneapolis were deplaned and transported back to the terminal due to a potential security concern. The safety and security of our customers and employees comes before all else, and we apologise for the delay in their travels.”
Security personnel from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey conducted a detailed search of the plane. The aircraft was later cleared after no dangerous item was found during the inspection. Airport authorities confirmed that no injuries were recorded and passengers remained calm throughout the evacuation process.
The flight, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday night departure, was rescheduled for the following morning to allow all clearance procedures to be completed. Officials noted that the investigation into the source of the bomb threat is ongoing, with law enforcement working to identify those responsible.
This incident occurred on a day of heightened airport security in the United States, as a similar threat was reported at another airport. The situation has raised fresh concerns about security threats targeting major airports and airlines.