Airport Security Breach Sees Flights Delayed

(Updated) This morning (Sept 28) there was a disruption at the Airport which saw flights delayed. Bernews understands that there was a security breach in which a man was spotted appearing to be attempting to gain some form of access to one of the airplanes.

Bernews understand the man may have been arrested, and the bomb squad and other relevant Police officers and responders were deployed to ensure the safety of the aircraft and airport.

Official websites list American Airlines flight 1325 to Miami as being delayed, as well as American Airlines flight 1443 to New York.

Police are still on the scene, as are we. We will bring you further updates as able…

Update 9:49am: It appears both aircraft are still in Bermuda.

Update 9:55am: We can confirm both AA flights are still grounded in Bermuda, as the photo below, literally taken 1 minute ago, shows.

10:16am: We understand the planes have undergone extremely thorough checks.

10:18am: Sources put the man involved as an ex, or present, employee of one of the entities at LF Wade International Airport.

10:22am: The Delta and Air Canada flights, due to arrive within 120 mins or less, are listed as ìn air, so we assume the airline will be open to accept them. Both AA flights from Bermuda are listed as delayed, and scheduled for 10:30am and 11am respectively.

10:31am: The planes appear to still be under inspection. They have moved one to another area in the airport grounds, and it is surrounded by vehicles.

10:38am: We are expecting official information to come in before 12 noon. All indications appear there was no security threat, and authorities are simply being extremely cautious.

11:30am: Bernews understands that in the very early hours of this morning (3am -4am) security officers may have spotted a ladder attached, or in the vicinity, of the plane. They then are said to have identified the worker and gave information to the Police, which led to his arrest.

11:44am: Press conference is due to begin soon, everyone is gathering.

11:56am: Official sites list the AA Miami flight as having left Bermuda at 11:18am and being in-air.

12:04pm: The person arrested is said to be a male, in his early 30s, and an ex-employee or employee.

12:09pm: Police confirm a 31-year-old Warwick man was arrested, and the incident occurred at 4am. Police confirm that both AA flights are cleared, one has left and one will leave shortly.

12:50pm: Official information from the Police:

At 4:00 am on Tuesday morning, Police responded to the L. F. Wade International Airport where the Airport Security Police reported that a breach of security had occurred. They reported that a man was found in a restricted area without authority. A 31 year old Warwick man was subsequently arrested by police and is now in custody assisting with inquiries. Two American Airlines planes were fully checked and deemed safe for travel. One of those planes has already left the jurisdiction while the other is due to leave Bermuda within the hour. An on-going operation is underway at the airport involving the police, Department of Airport Operations and other agencies to investigate this matter fully.

1:02pm: Video of the press conference coming soon

1:25pm: Videos added here, Police statement, Police on scene etc.

2:25pm: Photos below from this morning:

Update 4:04pm: Official information from Airport officials:

The Department of Airport Operations confirmed that a breach of security occurred at the L.F. Wade International Airport at 4:00 am this morning. As per Airport security procedures, the incident was immediately reported to senior Airport officials and to the Bermuda Police Service.

As a precautionary measure, two American Airlines’ aircraft that were parked outside the Terminal building were fully inspected by Bermuda Police officials before being deemed safe for travel. The safety checks resulted in two and three hour delays respectively for American’s Miami and New York flights. There were no other flight disruptions caused.

Airport General Manager, Aaron Adderley, stated that the incident was being taken very seriously and was under active investigation by the Department of Airport Operations and the Bermuda Police Service. He confirmed that following the investigation, there would likely be added security measures put into place.

“While there was never any intelligence to suggest that the security breach was an attempt to do anything improper, we felt it necessary to do a drastic and methodical check of the two aircraft that were parked on the Apron before we felt it was safe to clear them for travel,” Mr. Adderley stated.

Despite the delays, Mr. Adderley added that American Airlines officials were very happy at the extensive actions taken by the Airport in response to the incident.

He added, “While we certainly cannot recall having a breach of this sort in recent memory, we shall investigate it thoroughly to ensure that measures are put in place to minimize the risk of it happening again.”

5:01pm: Unofficial reports say the man brought a fold up ladder with him to the airport, and also that the Police may have arrested the man at home later on.

Update Oct 1: Lorenzo Lottimore was charged in court in connection with his incident.

#Airlines #Airport #AirportSecurity #LorenzoLottimore

Category: All, Crime, News