Flight operations at Stuttgart Airport were temporarily brought to a complete halt on Monday after a passenger claimed that there was a bomb in his luggage during security procedures.
According to German federal police, the incident involved a 24 year old passenger who was preparing to travel to Hurghada, Egypt. While inside the security area, the man allegedly told an airport employee that he had a bomb in his baggage.
Authorities immediately responded to the potential threat.
The security area was evacuated and flight operations were suspended while federal police searched the affected areas. Investigators later found no evidence of a bomb or any other immediate danger, according to Stuttgarter Nachrichten.
The disruption had a significant impact on airport operations. Ten arriving aircraft were diverted to other airports while the security operation was underway. Processing was interrupted for around 90 minutes.
Authorities completed their security measures at around 6:05 p.m., allowing the airport to reopen and flight operations to resume gradually. Delays and other disruptions were expected to continue into the evening.
SWR had earlier reported that flights were being diverted and warned passengers and people waiting for arriving travelers to check directly with their airlines for updated flight information.
The 24 year old passenger was removed from his planned flight to Hurghada. Police opened an investigation on suspicion of disturbing the public peace through the threat of a criminal act. He was later released after police procedures were completed.
The incident came on the same day Stuttgart Airport introduced new technology designed to detect drones around its approach and departure areas, part of broader efforts to strengthen aviation security at major German airports.
