Tue Nov 04 22:44:10 UTC 2025: Summary:
A bomb threat targeting a United Airlines flight from Houston to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport led to a temporary halt of all flights in and out of the airport on November 4, 2025. The plane was moved to an isolated area, passengers and crew disembarked safely, and the FBI found no hazardous materials. Airport operations resumed after approximately 1:30 p.m. ET. The incident caused significant flight delays, exacerbated by an ongoing federal government shutdown impacting air traffic controllers.
News Article:
Bomb Threat Halts Flights at Reagan National Airport, Sparks Delays
Arlington, VA – All flights into and out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily suspended on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, due to a reported bomb threat. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the threat targeted a United Airlines flight originating from Houston, Texas.
The Boeing 737 aircraft, carrying 89 passengers and six crew members, was moved to an isolated area of the airport. All occupants were safely removed and transported to the terminal.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad investigated the threat. After a thorough search, authorities confirmed that no hazardous materials were found onboard the plane. An investigation into the source of the threat is currently underway.
Airport operations resumed at approximately 1:30 p.m. ET. However, the incident caused significant disruptions, with the Federal Aviation Administration reporting average departing flight delays of 51 minutes and maximum delays exceeding two hours.
The delays have been compounded by the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has left air traffic controllers working without pay, raising concerns about potential impacts on air travel safety and efficiency.
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