American Airlines flight from Columbus to Phoenix back en route following Security Scare, Diverted to St. Louis

 

Flight path of AA534 (Image: Flightradar24)

Flight path of AA534 (Image: Flightradar24)

Details are emerging about American Airlines flight 534 from Columbus, Ohio to Phoenix. Arizona.  Flight 534 departed Columbus, Ohio at 7:48 local time bound for Phoenix operated by an Airbus a319.  Roughly forty-five minutes into the flight near Quincy, IL, AA534 reported their intentions to land immediately citing a security concern.  American 534 descended into St. Louis-Lambert Airport around 7:55 central time.

Once on the ground in St. Louis, the aircraft was moved to a remote stand.  According to a St. Louis-Lambert International Airport press release, 118 passengers and crew were aboard the flight to Phoenix.  Those 118 passengers and crew were removed from the aircraft and brought to Terminal 1 where they were provided with snacks and drinks during the ordeal.

Unknown Security Concern

(Image: St. Louis Post Dispatch)

(Image: St. Louis Post Dispatch)

While those 118 passengers and crew remained in Terminal 1, all luggage in the cargo hold was removed from the aircraft and placed neatly on the tarmac.  Airport police bomb sniffing dogs were brought to search the luggage.  The aircraft was also searched, however, neither the aircraft nor the luggage showed any indication of security issues.

The aircraft remained in St. Louis for nearly an hour.  Airport officials noted that operations were not impacted during the ordeal.  At approximately 8:45 central time, the Airbus a319 took off bound for Phoenix.  The aircraft is expected to arrive around 11:30 mountain time.