SWAT officers swarmed a JetBlue aircraft at John F. Kennedy Airport after a false alarm was sent to the air traffic control tower.
A JetBlue flight at New York’s JFK International Airport accidentally sent out a hijack code notifying air traffic control that there was a security threat on board, resulting in police surrounding the aircraft.
JetBlue flight B61623 destined for Los Angeles, was lined up on the taxiway waiting to depart when it “experienced a radio equipment problem.”
The cockpit sent out a hijack code notifying air traffic control that there was a security threat on board.
Air traffic control attempts to communicate with the pilot failed, prompting the emergency response.
SWAT officers boarded the Airbus A320 instructing all passengers to keep their hands up.
Images posted on social media from inside the plane show police in heavy tactical gear walking up and down the aisle.
Alexa Curtis, a passenger on board the aircraft, tweeted: “Woah. My worst nightmare. @Delta JFK to LAX right now, honestly thought we were going to die. I AM ALIVE THANK GOSH I MEDITATE U GUYS what is going on.”
The tweet incorrectly described the aircraft belonging to Delta Air Lines.
Officials inspected the plane and determined there was not a security threat, a Port Authority spokesperson said.
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