A bomb threat on board an Allegiant aircraft triggered panic at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport on Friday, leading to the emergency evacuation of passengers and the temporary shutdown of the airport, authorities confirmed.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reported that all passengers were safely evacuated and no injuries have been reported so far. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the airport remained closed for investigation, with law enforcement agencies on the scene.
Passengers Deplaned Safely
Video footage circulating on social media showed passengers calmly deplaning and being transported back to the terminal via shuttle buses.
Kathleen Nelson, one of the passengers on the affected Allegiant plane, told Spectrum News, “We were just waiting for takeoff, and then suddenly we were told to exit the aircraft. It was very unexpected.”
List of Delayed Flights at St. Pete-Clearwater Airport
Arrivals (All Delayed):
- Flight 2608 (Louisville, KY)
- Flight 1011 (Huntington, WV)
- Flight 2716 (Omaha, NE)
- Flight 1077 (Evansville, IN)
- Flight 974 (Albany, NY)
- Flight 991 (Asheville, NC)
- Flight 1027 (Key West, FL)
- Flight 3050 (Knoxville, TN)
- Flight 3185 (Appleton, WI)
- Flight 437 (Des Moines, IA)
- Flight 2599 (Bangor, ME)
- Flight 2698 (Fayetteville / Springdale, AR)
Departures (All Delayed):
- Flight 1034 (Fayetteville / Springdale, AR)
- Flight 2631 (Louisville, KY)
- Flight 1064 (Evansville, IN)
- Flight 2714 (Huntington, WV)
- Flight 3062 (Knoxville, TN)
- Flight 983 (Asheville, NC)
- Flight 3207 (Appleton, WI)
- Flight 452 (Des Moines, IA)
Investigation Underway
Authorities are thoroughly investigating the incident. As of now, there is no confirmation on the nature of the threat or if any explosive materials were found. Airport officials urge passengers to stay updated through official airline channels and local news sources.
