The Miami International Airport (MIA), one of the busiest in the country, experienced moments of chaos and tension late Sunday afternoon, after authorities evacuated multiple areas of the South Terminal following the discovery of a "suspicious" object.
The incident occurred around 5:30-6:00 PM (local time), when a backpack was reported unattended near Gate 21, in the departures area.
In a matter of minutes, an emergency protocol was activated that included the evacuation of TSA security checkpoints in terminals G, H, and J, as well as the closure of road access and nearby areas of the airport.
Videos shared on social media showed hundreds of people hurriedly exiting the venue and gathering in the outside areas.
Extensive operation and deployment of the bomb squad
The Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office (MDSO) confirmed the immediate deployment of its Explosive Squad.
As a precautionary measure, "the law enforcement agencies ordered the evacuation and sent Bomb Disposal Brigade teams to examine the object,” the airport reported in an official statement.
This action caused the temporary closure of several access points and severely impacted flight operations during key hours of the weekend, amid a surge in traffic due to the tourist season and disruptions caused by the winter storm Fern.
At 7:40 PM, the specialized squad concluded the evaluation of the suitcase and declared the area safe.
"@MiamiDade_SO has given the green light, and the TSA checkpoints for terminals G, H, and J and the surrounding areas are being reopened," stated Miami International Airport in a social media update.
Rumors, testimonies, and growing concern
During the more than two hours of the operation, multiple versions circulated on social media.
Some users reported hearing a loud boom, while others stated that international flights, such as one from Zurich, were redirected straight to the runway and evacuated there.
In the images shared, employees can be seen lowering the metal barriers as travelers exit carrying suitcases and backpacks.
Although no explosives were found and no official arrests have been reported, the uncertainty during the incident and the lack of immediate information created an atmosphere of anxiety.
A user on X claimed that "arrests are being made," although authorities have not confirmed this.
A recent incident heightened the anxiety
This incident occurs just days after another security situation at the same airport. On that occasion, a passenger of Cuban origin boarding an American Airlines flight to Houston was confronted by airline staff, who asked him to check in his carry-on luggage.
The traveler, apparently annoyed, made a sarcastic comment stating that "a bomb wouldn't fit" in his suitcase.
Although no device was found, the phrase was sufficient to trigger the security protocols, evacuate the area, and conduct a thorough search with explosive detection dogs.
This recent precedent caused the alert on Sunday to have an amplified effect among passengers and airport staff, who were already showing signs of unease due to the previous incident.
Resumption of operations, but persistent impact
Although operations normalized, the effects of the incident were felt throughout the night.
Several flights experienced significant delays, and traffic accessing the airport became congested.
Greg Chin, spokesperson for Miami International Airport, advised passengers to "allow extra time" to reach the airport as authorities concluded their investigation and adjusted boarding procedures.
It is worth noting that the event coincided with the impacts already caused by the winter storm Fern, which has left at least 12 dead in the United States and caused cancellations and delays at multiple airports across the country.
So far, no details have been revealed regarding the exact nature of the suspicious luggage or the identity of its owner, if they have been identified. Some voices have questioned the lack of clear information during the incident, which contributed to the spread of rumors and widespread anxiety.
Although it was not a real threat, the events reaffirm the high sensitivity of airport security protocols in the United States and how a forgotten suitcase can trigger a chain reaction with massive impact.
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