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A Navy technician has been charged with making a false bomb threat on a Hawaiian Airlines flight. John Stea, 35, an Electronics Technician 1st Class in the Navy, was arrested following an incident at San Diego International Airport. The Airbus A330-200 aircraft was preparing to depart for Honolulu when Stea allegedly told a flight attendant that the passenger next to him had a bomb.
The pilot promptly moved the plane to a secure location as a precaution. Nearly 300 passengers were deplaned and transported by bus to safety while authorities inspected the aircraft and luggage. "The safety of the public and our personnel is of utmost importance to the Navy," stated Mohammad Issa, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Commander, US 3rd Fleet. "We take all threats seriously and are cooperating fully with local and federal authorities."
The threat delayed the flight's departure significantly. Scheduled for 08:35, it eventually left at 14:14 and arrived in Honolulu much later than planned. Authorities determined Stea's report was not credible but emphasized vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.
