AA Jet Grounded at After Alleged Threat

Federal officials said Thursday a jetliner was being held on the tarmac at San Francisco's airport because of an alleged phone threat.

Officials stopped American Airlines Flight 24, bound for New York's John F. Kennedy Airport, before takeoff Wednesday morning, the Transportation Security Administration said. The TSA said passengers were being taken off the plane to be interviewed and re-screened.

"TSA is aware of an alleged threat made via phone against American Airlines flight 24 (SFO-JFK) before take-off. Out of an abundance of caution, TSA requested the plane be moved to a remote location. Passengers are being deplaned and will be interviewed and rescreened. The aircraft will be swept by local law enforcement."

Fort Worth-based American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith said the threat was phoned into local police. He said there were no hostages, but the TSA has moved the plane to a remote tarmac.

There were 163 passengers and 11 crew members aboard the Boeing 767, Smith said.  The flight was scheduled to depart SFO at 11:34 a.m. central time.

Federal Aviation Administration officials referred questions to TSA.

 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us