A Delta flight bound for Minneapolis was evacuated and delayed overnight at LaGuardia Airport in Queens on Tuesday evening following a reported bomb threat. Passengers were removed from the aircraft as Port Authority police conducted a thorough security sweep.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. aboard Delta flight 2313, which was preparing for departure from Terminal C. After a two-hour investigation, the aircraft was cleared, but the flight did not depart until the following morning.
Key Takeaways
- Delta flight 2313 to Minneapolis was evacuated at LaGuardia Airport on Tuesday night.
- The evacuation was prompted by a bomb threat reported by the flight crew around 8 p.m.
- Port Authority police investigated and cleared the aircraft by 10 p.m.
- Passengers experienced an overnight delay, with the flight eventually departing at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Security Alert at Terminal C
The routine evening departure schedule at LaGuardia's Terminal C was disrupted Tuesday when the crew of Delta flight 2313 reported a potential security threat. The flight, destined for Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), was on the tarmac when the alert was raised.
In response to the report, airport authorities initiated immediate security protocols. The aircraft was directed to a remote area of the airfield, away from the terminal and other planes, to allow for a comprehensive investigation without affecting wider airport operations.
Passengers were instructed to deplane and were subsequently transported by bus back to the terminal. Their luggage was also offloaded from the aircraft for security screening as part of the procedure.
Investigation and Official Response
Port Authority police officers were dispatched to the scene to conduct a full search of the aircraft. For approximately two hours, law enforcement personnel meticulously inspected the plane for any signs of a threat.
By 10 p.m., the aircraft was officially declared secure and cleared by the authorities. No credible threat was found during the investigation.
Standard Security Protocols
In the event of a potential threat, airlines and airport authorities follow strict, federally mandated procedures. This includes isolating the aircraft, deplaning all passengers and crew, and conducting a comprehensive sweep of the plane, cabin, and cargo hold. These measures are designed to ensure the highest level of safety, even if a threat is later determined to be non-credible.
Delta Air Lines addressed the incident, emphasizing its commitment to safety. The airline confirmed that the deplaning was a precautionary measure taken in response to a potential security issue.
A spokesperson for Delta stated, "Prior to departure from New York LaGuardia (LGA), customers on Delta flight 2313 to Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) were deplaned and transported back to the terminal due to a potential security concern. The safety and security of our customers and employees comes before all else and we apologize for the delay in their travels."
Overnight Delay and Morning Departure
Despite the aircraft being cleared Tuesday night, the decision was made to postpone the flight. The significant delay caused by the security incident pushed the departure past the crew's operational hours and disrupted the flight schedule.
Incident Timeline
- Approx. 8 p.m. Tuesday: Bomb threat reported by flight crew.
- 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tuesday: Passengers deplaned; aircraft moved and investigated.
- Approx. 10 p.m. Tuesday: Port Authority police clear the aircraft.
- 7 a.m. Wednesday: Flight 2313 departs for Minneapolis.
Passengers were required to wait overnight for the rescheduled flight. The plane, originally scheduled to depart Tuesday evening, eventually took off from LaGuardia at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, nearly 11 hours after the initial threat was reported.
The incident highlights the serious nature with which airlines and law enforcement agencies treat all security threats. While it resulted in a significant inconvenience for travelers, the response underscored that safety remains the top priority in aviation operations.
