Home Myrtle Beach News Bomb threat at Myrtle Beach International Airport deplanes flight

Bomb threat at Myrtle Beach International Airport deplanes flight

On Sunday, passengers aboard aircrafts at Myrtle Beach International Airport were required to disembark following a bomb threat received by the airport, indicating an explosive incident targeting one of the terminals.

As per a police report, Horry County Police conducted searches on three planes subsequent to an 8:15 p.m. phone call. The call, made by an electronically altered male voice, contained the message, B5 will explode in 10 minutes.

Bomb Threat

In recent years, bomb threats have become an increasingly common issue at airports. The psychological impact on passengers can be profound, leading to heightened anxiety and fear surrounding air travel. It’s essential to understand the context of such incidents and how airports manage these situations to maintain safety and security.

Such calls can often be traced back to a variety of motivations, including personal grievances or even hoaxes intended to cause disruption. Authorities take every threat seriously, as even false alarms can lead to significant resource allocation and operational challenges at airports.


The immediate response from law enforcement is critical. Trained officers assess the situation quickly, coordinating with airport security to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew involved. The timeline of events is crucial in bomb threat situations, as every second counts.

During such emergencies, passengers often experience confusion and fear, making it essential for airport staff to communicate clearly and efficiently. The importance of clear communication cannot be overstated in these high-pressure situations.

The B terminal was searched by the police, and they contacted all the pilots on the runway.

The protocols followed by pilots and airport security are rigorously developed and practiced regularly. These procedures are designed to minimize risk and ensure the safety of everyone involved. The training that pilots undergo for such scenarios is extensive, preparing them for various emergency situations.


There were three planes in the area: one had already left the gate, another was still connected to the jetbridge but loaded, and the third one was empty.

Using bomb threat protocol, the pilots decided to deplane and have K-9 units search while passengers were controlled in their respective gates by HCPD.

Passenger experience is also affected during such incidents. Delays and uncertainty can lead to frustration and stress, especially for those with connecting flights or time-sensitive commitments. Airlines typically do their best to accommodate affected passengers, providing updates and support where possible.

The affected flights were Avelo, which had already left the gate, Southwest, which was empty, and Allegiant, which was still connected to the jetbridge.

A Breeze flight in terminal A had also left the gate. Each pilot chose to return their plane to the gate for safety and have the HCPD K9 unit clear it. The bomb threat was determined to be not credible, but a sweep of the airport with K-9 units was conducted by the police.

Furthermore, passenger safety is the top priority for all airlines and airport authorities. Even though the bomb threat was eventually deemed not credible, the lessons learned from such incidents are invaluable for improving future responses and enhancing overall airport security measures.

According to Mikalya Moskov, spokesperson for Horry County, passengers were briefly deplaned and airplanes checked, and no bomb threat was found. The bomb threat was deemed invalid, and normal activities resumed at the airport.


In conclusion, while incidents like the bomb threat at Myrtle Beach International Airport can be unsettling, they underscore the critical importance of preparedness and effective communication in maintaining safety and security in air travel.

Looking ahead, enhancing communication systems and passenger engagement strategies can help alleviate some of the stress associated with bomb threats and similar emergencies. Airports are increasingly leveraging technology to provide real-time updates to passengers, helping to manage anxiety during such incidents.

The airport authorities continuously review and improve their security protocols, often conducting drills and simulations to prepare for various emergency scenarios. Collaboration between local law enforcement and airport security is also crucial in ensuring a swift and effective response to any potential threats.


Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com