Late passenger makes false bomb threat to delay flight

Airline Industry Information, June 3, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Officials at America West Airlines headquarters received a bomb threat by telephone yesterday (2 June) regarding a flight departing from Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport.

The America West express shuttle operated by Mesa Airlines was forced to return to the airport shortly after takeoff when the bomb threat was called in. Officials evacuated the 30 passengers from the aircraft, which was searched by the bomb squad and bomb sniffing dogs. All bags were also rescreened, however nothing suspicious was discovered.

Airline clerks at the airport then alerted the police to a man who had requested information about the flight shortly after the threat was received. It is believed that the man - who was running late for the flight - made the threat in the hope that the flight would be delayed long enough for him to board.

((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))