St. Petersburg, Florida — A bomb threat prompted the temporary closure of St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport on Friday afternoon, disrupting travel for hundreds of passengers. According to Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. when the crew of Allegiant Air Flight 2006 discovered a threatening message written in a lavatory.
Sheriff Gualtieri stated during a press briefing that the threat specifically targeted all Allegiant flights at the airport. At the time of the discovery, approximately 170 passengers were aboard the aircraft, but fortunately, there were no injuries reported. “We are actively investigating the situation and do not believe there is any immediate danger to those present at the airport,” Gualtieri said, reassuring the public of their safety.
In response to the threat, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deployed bomb-sniffing dogs to search the aircraft and airport premises. Collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, officials cleared all planes as part of their thorough investigation. Despite the intense scrutiny, no arrests have been made so far. However, Gualtieri noted that certain individuals displayed suspicious behavior and are currently being investigated.
As a result of the incident, numerous flights were delayed, leaving travelers anxious and uncertain about their plans. Airport officials inform travelers to check flight statuses online, as operations slowly resumed. Gualtieri indicated that he expected the airport to return to normal operations shortly, following a comprehensive safety review.
This incident underscores the continued vigilance required in aviation security, especially as travel increases again. Authorities urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of safety in public spaces.