Unknown threat keeps plane away from LAX terminal

A police SWAT team swept through a Compass Airlines jetliner today after it landed safely at Los Angeles Inteational Airport following an unknown threat that the airline later deemed “noncredible.”

Fire crews and police responded about 8:50 a.m. when the jet landed and was taken to a remote section of the airport. A portable stairway was brought to the aircraft, but passengers remained on board until the SWAT team moved through.

Passengers then departed. Bomb-sniffing dogs met them at the bottom of the stairway to check them before they were allowed to board shuttle buses.

Compass Airlines is a subcarrier for American Airlines. The words American Eagle are written on the side of the aircraft.

The flight originated in Houston.

“American Eagle Flight 5931 operated by Compass Airlines, from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Los Angeles Inteational Airport received a non-credible threat this moing,” American Airlines said in a statement. “It landed without incident at 8.50 a.m. local time. Out of an abundance of caution, LAX authorities are screening the flight. We hope to have our passengers on their way soon.”

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