Nowadays, in-flight incidents are more interesting than the in-flight movie.
The situation aboard United Airlines Flight 3613 to Vermont quickly worsened after a passenger discovered a bomb threat note in the aircraft’s restroom. The incident occurred on March 12 just prior to the plane’s scheduled landing, according to reports.
According to the flight-tracking website FlightAware, the plane took off from Newark, New Jersey and landed at Burlington International Airport Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Director of Aviation at Burlington International Airport, Nic Longo, told reporters at a press conference that the flight crew reported a possible bomb threat 20 minutes prior to the scheduled landing.
Authorities did not specify the nature of the threat, but they did state that the pilot reported that someone found a threatening note in the restroom of the aircraft.
In audio obtained by reporters from a local news station, the pilot is heard claiming that a flight attendant informed him that a passenger found a note claiming a bomb was concealed on board.
Air traffic controllers initiated emergency procedures immediately. When the plane landed, it was diverted away from the other parked planes, and the police responded immediately.
The Vermont State Police bomb squad was called to assist local authorities, according to a statement released by the Vermont State Police on Sunday.
The authorities conducted a thorough search of the aircraft and each passenger’s luggage, but nothing suspicious was discovered. Officials briefed all 65 passengers about the bomb threat before allowing them to disembark at approximately 7 p.m.
Without incident, all passengers were transported to the terminal, where they retrieved their belongings.
The airport was closed during the incident and did not reopen until approximately 7:30 p.m., after the conclusion of the episode.
The Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Vermont State Police, and the South Burlington Police Department were all sent to the scene.
Republic Airways, which operated the flight, thanked the emergency personnel for their prompt response and the passengers for maintaining their composure throughout the ordeal.