On Tuesday morning, a U.S. Navy member on a Hawaiian Airlines flight from San Diego to Honolulu caused significant alarm after claiming that a passenger seated next to him had a bomb. This prompted the immediate evacuation of the aircraft just before its scheduled departure from San Diego International Airport.
The incident unfolded shortly after 8:45 a.m. when the flight, carrying 283 passengers and 10 crew members, had begun backing away from the gate. The captain was alerted to the threat, leading to a swift response from law enforcement. Hawaiian Airlines confirmed that the flight was safely taxied to a secure area where passengers were deplaned and subsequently searched.
Following a thorough investigation, no suspicious items were found on the aircraft, which allowed operations at the airport to return to normal. The flight eventually took off at approximately 2:15 p.m., nearly five hours after the initial departure time.
The Harbor Police Department later identified and arrested the 35-year-old suspect on charges related to making a false bomb threat, which is categorized as a misdemeanor. The police emphasized that there was no ongoing threat to the public, and the airline expressed gratitude for the professionalism of its crew and understanding of the passengers.
This incident highlights the critical importance of safety protocols in aviation and the effective response of law enforcement. While the situation created undue stress, the resolution reinforced safety measures that protect travelers daily.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward.