Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed that a United Airlines flight from Houston to Washington, D.C., received an unfounded bomb threat that led to a temporary ground stop at Reagan National Airport. Law enforcement conducted a full search of the aircraft, and the FAA has given an ‘all clear,’ allowing operations to resume. The incident caused delays and required passengers to be bussed to a terminal before runways reopened.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office stated that its National Capital Response Squad responded to reports of the bomb threat at Reagan Washington National Airport. No hazards were found, and the FBI continues to work with law enforcement partners on the investigation. United Airlines referred Fox News to the FBI for further details. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed that several flights were diverted to other airports during the runway closure. Passengers and travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updated flight information due to potential delays.
Despite the incident, the FAA and airport operators are emphasizing that operations have resumed and the threat was determined to be unfounded. The incident highlights the continued need for robust security measures at major airports, especially during times of heightened threat perception. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also expected to review the incident to assess protocol adherence and any lessons learned from the response to the threat.