Fort Lauderdale airport reopens Terminal 1 after brief evacuation
Terminal 1’s second floor at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport reopened on Sunday afternoon after travelers were evacuated for about an hour due to a “security incident,” the airport confirmed in a tweet.
The upper level of Terminal 1 was cleared out shortly before noon, and scores of travelers were sent outdoors to wait.
It was reopened about 12:44 p.m.
Airport spokeswoman Arlene Satchell said the evacuation was necessary because of “a developing law enforcement investigation.”
Travelers are urged to check with their airline for updated flight status.
Flights could be impacted, because the passenger security check is located on the second floor, and was temporarily closed. Only the lower level was open for drop-offs and pickups, and the road to departures was closed.
Terminal 1 is used by Southwest Airlines, United, Frontier and others. It also has a U.S. Customs presence. The terminal is located directly across Terminal Drive from the Cypress Garage, and airport rental car center.
On law enforcement radio scanners, an official said the departures ramp was blocked off to incoming traffic at about 11:40 a.m. At about 12:30 p.m., an “all’s clear” was announced on the radio, and the airport announced the terminal’s reopening on social media shortly thereafter.
Airlines using Terminal 1 include Air Canada, Alaska, Allegient, Bahamasair, Frontier, Silver, Southwest, United, Westernair and Westjet.