San Diego flight evacuated over passenger bomb threat

USA Today

20-05-2025

San Diego flight evacuated over passenger bomb threat
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A Hawaiian Airlines flight was evacuated in San Diego due to a passenger's bomb threat.
All passengers and crew were safely deplaned and the aircraft was searched.
No bomb was found, and the flight eventually departed after a five-hour delay.
A Hawaiian Airlines plane was evacuated Tuesday morning right before takeoff from San Diego International Airport after a passenger reportedly made a "possible bomb threat onboard," according to the Port of San Diego Harbor Police.
At 8:46 a.m., Port of San Diego Harbor Police received a call from the captain of HA Flight 15, who was informed by a flight attendant a passenger made a bomb threat. The Airbus A330 had just detached from the jetway and was on the tarmac to depart for Honolulu International Airport.
"During pushback from the gate, a guest was overheard making a threat to the safety of our aircraft," said Melissa Villegas, a spokesperson for Hawaiian Airlines. "As a precaution, the captain immediately taxied the Airbus A330 to a safe location on the airfield where it was met with local and federal law enforcement and guests were safely deplaned."
All 283 passengers and 10 crew members evacuated from the aircraft and transported by bus to a safe area.
Port of San Diego Harbor Police's Maritime Tactical (MARTAC, also known as SWAT) team, K-9 Team, Joint Terrorism Task Force, the San Diego Fire Department, and the FBI responded to the scene to search the aircraft, according to the Harbor Police. "Nothing suspicious was found on the aircraft," the law enforcement agency added.
After authorities cleared the plane, guests reboarded and it departed around 2:15 p.m. local time – about five hours after the scheduled departure time.
"We appreciate their understanding during this situation and apologize for any concern this may have caused," said Villegas. "We are working to get all guests to Honolulu as quickly as possible. We are grateful for the professionalism and care of our flight attendants and pilots throughout this event."
Harbor Police said there is no threat to the public or travelers, and it will continue to investigate the incident. Operations at San Diego International Airport are normal, according to the airport.