Flights Halted at Washington Reagan Airport After Bomb Threat Scare

Flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport were temporarily suspended on Tuesday after a bomb threat targeting a United Airlines flight from Houston, Texas, prompted an emergency response from authorities. The incident caused all arrivals and departures to be halted for a brief period as safety checks were conducted.

According to officials, the aircraft involved was directed to a secure section of the airfield, where passengers were safely evacuated and transported to the terminal by bus. Law enforcement and airport security teams swiftly began investigating the threat while ensuring the safety of everyone on board.

By around 1:30 p.m. ET, normal airport operations resumed after authorities confirmed there was no longer any active threat. Federal officials commended the quick coordination between local law enforcement, airport staff, and federal agencies for their effective handling of the situation.

During the temporary shutdown, departing flights experienced average delays of about 51 minutes, with some extending beyond two hours, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The brief disruption added to existing travel challenges across the United States, as several airports have been experiencing operational delays linked to ongoing government shutdown impacts. Air traffic controllers, many working without pay, continue to maintain safety and manage increased workload pressures nationwide.

The swift containment of the situation at Ronald Reagan National Airport highlighted the importance of rapid response protocols and inter-agency coordination in maintaining public safety and restoring normal flight operations efficiently.