Crime & Safety
Bomb Threat Closes Manchester Boston Regional Airport For Two Hours
Hundreds of passengers experienced delays on departures and arrivals. A Spirit Airlines flight bound for Tampa was the target of the threat.
MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester Boston Regional Airport reopened after a threat of an explosive device on an aircraft Saturday.
The roadways entering the terminal areas were closed down by Londonderry police at about 11 a.m. Radio broadcasts indicated that Terminal A and other parts of the airport were being evacuated, and all inbound arriving aircraft was stopped on the tarmac and not allowed to approach the gates.
Signature Aircraft services moved refueling trucks away from an aircraft and firefighting equipment from the airport was positioned nearby.
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New Hampshire State Police Bomb Squad was notified and sent personnel and specially trained K-9s to the airport.
Sources confirmed the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport Communications Center received a phone call reporting an alleged security threat aboard Spirit Airlines Flight 2025. The plane was scheduled to depart Manchester and fly to Tampa, Florida.
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Londonderry police and state police K-9s could be seen sweeping the inside and outside for explosives. All luggage was removed from the plane onto the tarmac, where the K-9s swept the luggage for explosives.
Traffic into the airport significantly backed up from vehicles arriving to drop off and pick up passengers. Many arriving people had no idea what was happening and were stuck in traffic for over an hour.
At about 1:15 p.m., two aircraft waiting to approach gates were cleared to approach and unload. Radio broadcasts indicated TSA inbound checkpoint would remain closed while the two incoming aircraft were deplaned. Incoming passengers were able to gather their luggage and then could leave the airport.
At a press conference, authorities said all passengers were removed and rescreened before being able to board their flights. Londonderry Police Capt. Patrick Cheetham said Londonderry police would lead the investigation, and the F.B.I. would assist them. A caller who called the airport just before 11 a.m. made a threat and protocols were followed.
Sources say the F.B.I. will be taking over the investigation. A press conference will be held Saturday afternoon, more details should become available at that time.
©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news
