Reports of a Suspicious Device Isolate Plane at John Wayne Airport

Plane was scheduled to depart from John Wayne Airport to Phoenix

Authorities did not find any suspicious devices on a Southwest plane that was isolated at John Wayne Airport Tuesday night, according to initial reports.

Officials from Lindbergh Field said they have not experienced any bomb threats, and none of the planes in San Diego were evacuated as of 10 p.m.

Southwest flight 811 was preparing to depart from John Wayne Airport Tuesday night when a "non-specific" threat was called into Phoenix authorities, said Jenny Wedge, spokeswoman for John Wayne Airport.

The call came in around 8:30 p.m. as the plane was taxiing for take off, said Lt. Joe Balicki with OC Sheriff's Department.

The plane was moved to the isolation area and passengers were led off the plane while authorities investigated the situation, he said.

Within two hours the plane was taxiing back to the gate.

If passengers are able to board to flight by 11 p.m., when the airport closes, they will resume their scheduled trip, Balicki said.

If not, the passengers will have to board another flight in the morning.

No other flights at John Wayne Airport were affected, but a Southwest flight in Phoenix was similarly isolated.

Contact Us