by St. Louis, Missouri – A United Airlines flight traveling from Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport made an emergency landing in St. Louis on Sunday morning after a passenger reported a bomb in his wife’s luggage, authorities confirmed.
The flight departed shortly before 7 a.m. and landed unexpectedly at Lambert St. Louis International Airport around 8:40 a.m., where passengers were evacuated so bomb and arson units could thoroughly inspect the plane.
Passenger Detained, No Injuries Reported
The unidentified male passenger who made the threat is now in custody. According to airport director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, no passengers were injured during the evacuation or inspection process. Bomb and arson crews continued searching the aircraft until the afternoon, ultimately finding no explosives or hazards. Passengers were allowed to reboard the plane and resumed their flight to Chicago, with an expected arrival around 2 p.m.
Federal Aviation Concerns Amid Staffing Strains
The incident comes as federal authorities continue to address staffing and safety concerns in the aviation sector following the recent federal government shutdown. During the shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduced flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports to ease the strain on overworked air traffic controllers.
The FAA has stated that the current flight reductions will remain in place temporarily as air travel ramps up ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, traditionally the nation’s busiest travel period. Officials have warned that adequate staffing levels may not return for several weeks, highlighting vulnerabilities in air traffic control and airport safety infrastructure.
Previous United Airlines Bomb Threat
This is the second bomb threat aboard a United Airlines flight this month. On November 4, a flight from Houston to Washington D.C. was forced to land after a passenger made a similar threat. Investigators found no explosives or hazards, and passengers were allowed to continue their journey.
FBI Investigation Ongoing
The FBI is actively involved in the current investigation and is working with local law enforcement partners. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding a potential criminal case or whether the passenger’s identity will be released.
Airport officials have stated that they cannot comment on any ongoing criminal investigation, emphasizing that passenger safety remains the top priority.
Public Awareness and Safety Measures
Officials continue to remind travelers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or threats. Emergency procedures, including aircraft evacuations and bomb searches, are in place to protect passengers and crew in rare but serious incidents.
Share Your Thoughts: Were you traveling through Lambert St. Louis International Airport during the emergency landing, or do you have insights about air travel safety? Comment below and share your experience as authorities continue the investigation.
