An American Airways aircraft was compelled to return to its origin airport after a snooping passenger noticed — and misinterpreted — a textual content message acquired by one other traveler.
In keeping with a report in native information outlet Primera Hora, a passenger on a July 3 flight leaving San Juan, Puerto Rico, noticed one other traveler obtain a take a look at message that stated “RIP.” Relaxation in peace is an idiom ceaselessly utilized in relation to the not too long ago lifeless.
The passenger who noticed the textual content reportedly interpreted it as a menace to the flight, in keeping with Puerto Rico’s Workplace of Explosives and Public Security.
The flight, American Airways 1847, was on schedule for its journey between San Juan and Dallas, however after the passenger flagged the message the aircraft returned to San Juan, simply 32 minutes after takeoff.
As soon as it landed, airport safety and the Transportation Safety Administration gave the aircraft an intensive inspection, and the passenger who raised the alarm in regards to the textual content was questioned by legislation enforcement.
The passenger who acquired the textual content message was additionally questioned by Puerto Rican legislation enforcement. They defined the message was despatched in response to one in all their kinfolk who had handed away the day earlier than the flight. The passenger was making an attempt to get to Dallas to help their household following the loss of life.
As soon as the flight was cleared, it was scheduled to depart once more round 9.40 a.m. The aircraft was delayed by round three-and-a-half hours.
Passengers needed to keep on board the aircraft through the investigation. No arrests had been made.
American Airways confirmed the incident to USA TODAY, and stated the aircraft was ultimately cleared to hold passengers and fly as soon as it was decided there was no menace.
“It was a mix-up that was dealt with in accordance with security protocols. There was no actual menace to the flight or its passengers,” Aerostar Airport Holdings’ operations director, Nelman Nevarez, stated in a press release.
Aerostar Airport Holdings manages the airport in San Juan.
“The flight landed safely at SJU, and legislation enforcement inspected and cleared the plane to re-depart,” the airline stated in a press release. “Security and safety are our high priorities and we apologize to our clients for the inconvenience.”