A bomb scare at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Friday evening prompted the evacuation of the airport’s International Terminal, causing temporary disruption to flights and ground transport before operations were restored later in the night, according to local authorities.
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) confirmed that officers responded to a bomb threat received during the early evening hours. Acting on the threat, police identified what they described as a “suspicious package” inside the International Terminal, triggering immediate security protocols.
In a series of updates posted on social media, the SFPD stated that the airport’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit was deployed to investigate the situation. As a precautionary measure, the International Terminal was fully evacuated, and passengers were instructed to leave the area while security teams carried out a thorough search.
Airport authorities warned travellers to expect delays, noting that police activity was likely to interrupt normal airport operations. Ground transportation links, including local rail services connecting to the airport, were also temporarily suspended as part of the security response.
The incident unfolded during a busy travel period, raising concern among passengers. However, officials emphasised that the evacuation was conducted calmly and in accordance with established safety procedures. No injuries were reported during the evacuation process.
Shortly after midnight local time (around 0700 GMT), airport officials announced that the situation had been resolved. In a statement, San Francisco International Airport confirmed that police had cleared the International Terminal after completing their investigation and that normal airport operations had resumed.
The SFPD later added that officers had searched the terminal thoroughly and removed several suspicious items. After careful examination, authorities determined that there was no immediate threat to public safety. The terminal was subsequently declared safe for passengers and staff to re-enter.
San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States. According to its most recent official figures, the airport handled more than three million passengers in 2020, despite reduced travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Security alerts of this nature, while disruptive, are treated with the highest level of seriousness due to the potential risks involved.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the origin of the threat or the nature of the suspicious packages. An investigation remains ongoing, and officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to airport staff or law enforcement.
Key Timeline of Events
| Time (Local) | Event |
|---|---|
| Early evening | Bomb threat reported to police |
| Evening | International Terminal evacuated |
| Evening–Night | EOD Unit conducts investigation |
| Around midnight | Terminal cleared by police |
| After midnight | Airport operations resume |
Passengers affected by the disruption were advised to check with their airlines for updated flight information and to allow extra time when travelling through the airport in the coming days.