Passenger Arrested for Bomb Threat on JetBlue Flight at Fort Lauderdale Airport

Flight evacuated and searched, but no explosive device found.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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On Sunday morning, an elderly passenger named Robert Albanese, 76, was taken into custody by Broward Sheriff's Office deputies at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after allegedly making a bomb threat aboard a JetBlue flight. The flight and all passengers were briefly evacuated as a precaution while a K9 unit searched the plane, but no explosive device was discovered.

Why it matters

Bomb threats on airplanes are extremely serious incidents that can cause major disruptions to airport operations and raise significant safety concerns for passengers and crew. This case highlights the importance of law enforcement's swift response and thorough investigation to ensure public safety.

The details

According to authorities, deputies responded to the call in Terminal Four just before 10 a.m. and removed Albanese from the plane. While the flight was evacuated, the K9 unit search determined there was no actual bomb on board. Passengers were then allowed to re-board the plane, which eventually took off without further incident.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 1, 2026 around 10 a.m.

The players

Robert Albanese

A 76-year-old passenger who was taken into custody by police for allegedly making a bomb threat on the JetBlue flight.

Broward Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and took Albanese into custody.

JetBlue

The airline operating the flight that was disrupted by the bomb threat.

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What they’re saying

“There was no additional disruption to airport operations.”

— Carey Codd, BSO spokesperson (Sun Sentinel)

What’s next

Albanese has not yet been listed among current Broward County inmates, so it is unclear if he will face any criminal charges related to the incident.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences and disruptions that can result from false bomb threats on airplanes. It underscores the importance of vigilance and swift response by law enforcement to ensure passenger safety and maintain airport operations.