Officials: Spirit Airlines Flight Returned To Airport After Takeoff Due To Bomb Threat Onboard

A Spirit Airlines flight headed from Fort Lauderdale to Minneapolis turned around last night after authorities said a passenger made a bomb threat while the plane was in the air.

The Airbus A320 was carrying 92 passengers, and took off around 10:09 p.m., reports the Orlando Sun Sentinel. Shortly after takeoff, a passenger was reportedly overheard saying something about a bomb.

Spirit Airlines said in a statement that the plane returned to the gate about 15 minutes after takeoff “because of a security issue on board.”

Passengers stayed on the plane while bomb squad units arrived and sniffer dogs checked out luggage, which was then matched to each passenger. No immediate threat was detected, a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman said.

Two passengers involved were slated for an interview with the Sheriff’s office and the FBI, officials said. The flight to Minnesota took off at 3:45 a.m. and landed at 6:10 a.m. this morning.

Spirit Airlines flight returns to Fort Lauderdale after bomb threat [Orlando Sun Sentinel]

by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist