Threat LensExplosivesSan Juan flight diverted due to false bomb threat

San Juan flight diverted due to false bomb threat

Type of event:
Explosive Risk, Safety & Security, Bomb alarm

Victims

Wounded

Date

July 4, 2025

What happened

On 3 July 2025, an American Airlines flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Dallas–Fort Worth was forced to turn around just 11 minutes after take-off due to a bomb scare, which was later found to be unfounded. Flight AA1847, which was operated by an Airbus A321 carrying 193 passengers, had been in the air for just 11 minutes when a female passenger reported seeing the word ‘RIP’ on another traveller’s phone. She mistakenly interpreted this as a threat. Following safety protocols, the crew alerted the captain, who decided to return to San Juan Airport. The aircraft landed safely at 06:58. Following inspections and interviews, the authorities confirmed that the message was a condolence note relating to a bereavement in the passenger’s family.

Massimo Serresi

Where it happened

Main sources