A United Airlines flight headed for Chicago was compelled to make an emergency landing in St. Louis following a bomb threat made by a male passenger regarding his wife’s luggage. United Airlines Flight 380, which originated from Dallas and was bound for O’Hare International Airport, landed safely at St. Louis Lambert International Airport around 8:39 a.m. on Sunday, November 16.
Sources informed the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the individual made an alarming claim about a bomb being present in a piece of his wife’s luggage, prompting immediate action from the crew. Law enforcement authorities responded swiftly, conducting thorough searches of the aircraft with the assistance of bomb-sniffing dogs, ensuring the safety of the 119 passengers and five crew members on board.
United Airlines confirmed in a statement that the flight had to land in St. Louis to address the security concern and that all passengers were safely de-boarded during the investigation. The airline reported that after a meticulous examination, law enforcement cleared the aircraft, enabling it to continue its journey. The plane eventually departed St. Louis and reached Chicago at approximately 2:50 p.m., resulting in a total delay of five hours and 33 minutes.
The incident attracted the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which was called to assist in the investigation. While there was no immediate comment from the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed their involvement.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of bomb threats made during commercial flights in recent months. For example, in September, a woman was arrested for a false bomb threat on a Frontier Airlines flight from Nashville to Denver. Similarly, a man was apprehended in July after allegedly claiming that his laptop was a bomb on an Allegiant flight.
While these threats create significant disruptions and anxiety, steps taken by authorities demonstrate a commitment to maintaining safety in air travel. The quick actions of the United Airlines crew and law enforcement reaffirm the importance of vigilance in addressing security concerns in the aviation industry.