A significant disruption hit LaGuardia Airport early Saturday morning when officials evacuated Terminal B due to a suspicious package.
The NYPD bomb squad responded as a precaution and eventually declared the area safe, minimizing the risk of further disruptions, the New York Post reported.
At approximately 6:29 a.m. on Saturday, security personnel at Terminal B detected an unknown parcel in a restricted operational area. This report quickly escalated concerns, prompting immediate involvement from the Port Authority Police and the NYPD’s specialized bomb squad.
Taking no risks with the potential threat, authorities evacuated all passengers who had not yet completed security screening. Hundreds gathered outside in the Terminal’s parking area as law enforcement conducted a thorough assessment.
The bomb squad quickly arrived on the scene and immediately began assessing the suspicious package. They conducted comprehensive searches and safety checks, covering every possible angle to determine the package’s nature and any potential threats.
Meanwhile, passengers waited anxiously, with many impacted by the sudden change in their travel plans. A significant number faced delays or missed flights entirely. Among them was Roger Baston, a 47-year-old Queens resident, who voiced concern over the evacuation’s impact on his travel schedule.
"I was very close to the front. I started seeing TSA agents telling everyone to stop screening. One agent was speaking on the radio," recalled Baston, capturing the initial moments of confusion among the passengers.
After the directive to evacuate was given, travelers were left with few details from TSA agents about the ongoing situation. "Everyone was outside to the passenger drop off area… The TSA agents, they haven’t told us anything," Baston added, highlighting the lack of communication during the evacuation.
Despite his experience at LaGuardia, Baston also worried about the weather conditions in his destination city of Denver, which he feared could further complicate his journey. "I was worried about the storm in Denver. I was expecting a delay, but not like this," he shared, reflecting a double layer of anxiety caused by both the evacuation and potential weather-related disruptions in Denver.
Finally, after hours of careful examination, the NYPD bomb squad concluded that the suspicious package posed no threat. Authorities received the all-clear just before 8 a.m., allowing passengers to re-enter and beginning the process of resuming normal flight operations.
The all-clear announcement brought relief across the gathered crowds, eager to continue their journeys. Passengers then made their way back through security checks, more cautious yet grateful for the diligence of the airport’s security forces.
After the incident, LaGuardia Airport’s official communication channels updated travelers and stakeholders, affirming that while operations were returning to normal, some residual delays could occur. LaGuardia Airport’s official X page had earlier hinted at potential disruptions due to police activity, advising passengers to check with their airlines for the latest status of their flights.
This situation at LaGuardia highlights the complex interplay between security protocols, passenger safety, and the seamless operation of major transportation hubs. It reminds us of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities faced by security personnel and underscores the critical importance of efficient communication channels in managing unexpected events.
As flights resumed and the usual bustle of airport life returned, LaGuardia’s emergency response protocols demonstrated their efficacy. Despite the brief interruption, airport staff, law enforcement, and emergency response teams worked together to prevent a more severe impact on passengers and flight schedules.
For travelers like Robert Baston and many others, the incident at LaGuardia served as a minor yet stark reminder of the unpredictability of travel, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared. As the busy travel hub gets back on track, today’s events will undoubtedly help enhance future responses to similar situations.
