Plane diverts to Ohio airport after alleged threats by flier

COLUMBUS (AP) — Officials say a plane headed from St. Louis to Washington, D.C., was diverted to a central Ohio airport after a pilot reported a disruptive passenger made threatening statements.

Airport spokesman David Whitaker says the United Express flight bound for Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia landed safely at Port Columbus International Airport today. It was isolated while the FBI removed the 53 people on board and used dogs to search luggage.

Whitaker says no problems were found, so most people were allowed to resume their travels. He said the FBI was interviewing two remaining people this afternoon.

Whitaker said he couldn’t provide further information about the disruptive passenger or the nature of the alleged threats.

The situation briefly disrupted airport operations, forcing another plane to divert to Dayton.