Watch CBS News

AA Flight To Guatemala Delayed Over Backpack Scare

DFW AIRPORT (CBSDFW.COM) - A flight headed to Guatemala had to be delayed Monday evening after a passenger tried to stand up and exit while the plane was taxing away from the gate.

American Airlines flight 2137 from DFW to Guatemala City was scheduled to leave Terminal D Monday afternoon just before 5:00 p.m.

Shortly after the doors were closed a 23-year-old man from Guatemala tried to stand up and asked to get off, but was told by flight attendants to sit down.

The man said he had an issue with his bag, that's when the pilot decided to return the 737 to the gate.  Police then removed the man and his bag from the plane.  DFW Airport officials said the man will be questioned by federal authorities.

The man spoke broken English, and the flight crew had a hard time communicating with him.

Varying reports claim the man said to have a bomb in his bag.  American Airlines and DFW Airport officials would not speak on the matter.  DFW only would say the comments reported to the pilot was considered potentially serious.

After the plane was searched and all of the remaining 150 passengers and 6 crew members were re-screened, the flight was cleared and departed just before 8:00 Monday evening.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.