Bomb Threat Spirit Flight
A Spirit Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles was delayed for hours and temporarily evacuated Tuesday morning after a bomb threat was called in by a disgruntled passenger who had missed boarding, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Spirit Airlines Flight 1159 was preparing for departure from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) around 8:15 a.m. local time when airport authorities were alerted to a potential explosive on board. The call came from a man who had arrived late at the airport and was not allowed to board the flight. In a retaliatory move, investigators say the man called in a bomb threat in an apparent attempt to disrupt the flight’s departure.
Entire Aircraft Evacuated
The aircraft, an Airbus A320 with 184 passengers and six crew members, had already pushed back from the gate when air traffic control instructed the pilots to return due to a security concern. Once back at the gate, passengers were asked to leave all personal items behind and disembark swiftly and calmly. Emergency protocols were enacted immediately.
“All passengers and crew were safely evacuated without incident,” said Tanya Robertson, a spokesperson for Detroit Metropolitan Airport. “Safety and security procedures were followed precisely and efficiently.”
The terminal area around Gate D8 was cordoned off, and airport security, along with the FBI and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), began a full sweep of the aircraft. Explosives-detection K9 units and tactical response teams combed through the cabin, baggage holds, and all cargo areas.
After nearly three hours of investigation, officials confirmed that the threat was not credible and that no explosive device had been found.
Suspect in Custody
Within hours of the threat, FBI agents were able to trace the call back to a man who had checked in for the flight but failed to arrive at the gate in time for boarding. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the man arguing with Spirit Airlines staff at the check-in desk before storming out of the terminal. Authorities located him later that afternoon at a relative’s home in suburban Detroit.
“The individual admitted to making the threat during questioning,” said FBI Special Agent Michelle Kinney. “He is now in federal custody and is being charged with making a false threat involving an explosive and interfering with an aircraft’s operation.”
Officials have not yet released the suspect’s name pending formal charges. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison, along with significant fines. Authorities noted that even hoax threats carry stiff penalties due to the risk, cost, and disruption they pose to aviation operations.
Passengers React to Scare
Several passengers spoke with local news outlets after the incident, describing a tense but orderly evacuation.
“I thought something was wrong with the plane at first, and then they said we had to get off immediately and couldn’t bring anything with us,” said Michelle Andrews, a passenger on Flight 1159. “They said it was for our safety and there was a potential threat, and that’s when we all got really scared.”
Others expressed frustration with the delays but were grateful for the quick response from authorities.
“I missed my connection in L.A., but I’d rather be safe than sorry,” said Carlos Gutierrez, another passenger. “You never know these days, and you can’t take chances.”
Passengers were rebooked on the next available flight to Los Angeles or given the option to fly out later in the day. Spirit Airlines confirmed that the affected plane was cleared for service and departed around 2:45 p.m. without further issue.
Broader Security Concerns
Aviation security experts say incidents like these underscore the vulnerabilities airports face from domestic threats and individual actors.
“Even a single phone call can disrupt airport operations, cost tens of thousands of dollars, and traumatize travelers,” said aviation security analyst Lisa Wagner. “It’s a stark reminder that abusing security systems for personal revenge is not just irresponsible — it’s criminal.”
The FAA and TSA are both reviewing the incident, though no changes in national threat levels or airport protocols have been announced as a result.
The FBI emphasized in its statement that all threats to aviation are treated with the utmost seriousness, regardless of intent or credibility.
“This type of behavior is not a prank,” the agency said. “It’s a federal crime, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute anyone who endangers public safety through false threats.”
Flight 1159 eventually landed safely at LAX just before 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, bringing an end to a harrowing day for everyone on board — and a stark lesson in the consequences of making threats in the post-9/11 travel era.
