Navy technician arrested for false bomb threat on Hawaiian Airlines flight
- A passenger's overheard comment led to a bomb threat being reported on Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15.
- John Stea, a Navy technician, was arrested for making the false bomb threat.
- The incident emphasizes the importance of security measures in aviation following such threats.
In the United States, a Hawaiian Airlines flight was evacuated at San Diego International Airport due to a bomb threat made by a passenger. The incident occurred on May 20, 2025, when Flight 15 was taxiing towards departure for Honolulu. A flight attendant overheard a passenger alleging that there was a bomb on board, prompting the captain to contact law enforcement. Passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the Airbus A330, totaling 293 individuals onboard. Security measures were swiftly enacted, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Port of San Diego Harbor Police and the FBI, who conducted thorough searches of the aircraft and its contents. Shortly after the arrival of law enforcement on-site, one individual was taken into custody. This person was later identified as John Stea, a 35-year-old U.S. Navy technician. Stea was charged with making a false bomb threat and a false report of a security threat. Authorities reported that nothing suspicious was found on the aircraft following the exhaustive search efforts. The safety of the aircraft and passengers was deemed a priority by Hawaiian Airlines, who commended their flight crew for the professionalism shown during the incident. While the bomb threat did not result in any actual danger, it necessitated considerable response efforts from various emergency agencies, including the presence of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. The quick actions of the flight attendant and captain ensured the safety of all individuals involved. Following the situation, Hawaiian Airlines expressed their commitment to address the needs of affected passengers and facilitate their travel to Honolulu as promptly as possible. The incident highlighted the serious nature of bomb threats in aviation security and the necessary precautions that airlines and airport authorities must take to ensure passenger safety. Subsequently, the U.S. Navy reiterated that all threats to security are treated with the utmost seriousness and expressed cooperation with local and federal authorities during the investigation. As the investigation unfolds, additional information regarding motivations or the full context of Stea's actions may provide further insights into the incident, but for now, the incident stands as a clear reminder of the ongoing vigilance required in managing aviation security.