(FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA) A bomb threat at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Tuesday led to the evacuation of public areas in Terminal 4, briefly pushing hundreds of passengers and greeters out to the curb just before midday but leaving flights running on schedule, according to local authorities. The incident, which began around 11:30 a.m. on November 18, 2025, triggered an immediate security response from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) and its Bomb Squad unit and has raised fresh questions about safety for both domestic and international travelers using the busy South Florida hub.
What happened
Deputies from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) detained a man who claimed he had a bomb inside his bag while in Terminal 4. Officials have not yet said how he made the threat or to whom he spoke, but they confirmed that his words were serious enough to start a full bomb response.
The BSO Bomb Squad quickly secured the bag, moved it to a safe area, and began a careful inspection while other deputies cleared nearby spaces of people.
“The investigation is ongoing,” said BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro, and authorities emphasized that they treated the claim with full precaution.
Areas affected and passenger impact
The evacuation covered the pre-security public areas on both the arrivals and departures levels of Terminal 4. These are the sections where most people first enter the building, check in for flights, meet arriving passengers, or wait near the doors.
- Only pre-security zones in Terminal 4 were emptied.
- Secure areas behind the checkpoints remained open, and the rest of the airport continued to operate normally.
- Travelers were directed away from Terminal 4 and diverted to other terminals while bomb technicians worked.
Terminal 4 serves several international carriers, including Transat, Caribbean Airlines, and Porter. That meant many of those pushed outside were foreign visitors, green card holders, and U.S.-based passengers traveling internationally. The disruption added stress during immigration and customs processes, with some worried about missing connections or secondary inspections.
Timeline (concise)
- ~11:30 a.m., Nov 18, 2025 — Threat made inside Terminal 4; BSO alerted.
- BSO detained a man and secured the bag.
- Bomb Squad moved the bag, performed a sweep of cleared areas.
- Travelers in pre-security zones evacuated; secure zones remained open.
- After inspection, authorities issued an “all clear” — no explosives found.
- Criminal investigation continues into the man’s motive and potential charges.
Official conclusion and legal considerations
After the BSO Bomb Squad completed its sweep, authorities announced no explosives or suspicious items were found inside the detained man’s bag or elsewhere in Terminal 4. The “all clear” ended the immediate physical threat, but the criminal probe remains active.
- Investigators are determining:
- The man’s motive
- Any possible links to other threats
- What charges he may face
Important legal note:
– Bomb hoaxes and threats are treated as serious crimes under both Florida and federal law and can carry heavy prison terms and fines — even when no device is found.
Related incident the same day
A separate security scare occurred earlier Tuesday involving a Spirit Airlines flight at the same airport. That aircraft was evacuated after a possible bomb threat on board. Authorities later cleared the plane, and the flight departed normally. Officials have not linked the two events, but the pair of alerts heightened anxiety for tourists, seasonal visitors, and immigrant families.
Special concerns for noncitizens and international travelers
For noncitizens, disruptions like this can have ripple effects beyond travel inconvenience:
- Fear of missing immigration appointments (asylum interviews, green card medicals, court hearings)
- Anxiety about meeting Customs and Border Protection officers or showing visas
- Confusion for those with limited English or uncertain knowledge of rights
- Dependence on loudspeaker announcements and airport staff instructions to find alternate check-in or connecting desks
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, unexpected security events at major airports often affect foreign visitors more severely because they:
– May not know their rights
– May feel uncomfortable asking questions
– May be unsure about leaving designated waiting areas without risking issues at immigration
Broader context and federal guidance
Airports follow federal rules for dealing with threats, guided by agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA’s public guidance on security screening and restricted items, available at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening, explains how officers watch for suspicious behavior and respond when someone mentions a bomb or hints at an explosive device.
- Even a “joke” about a bomb can lead to arrest at an airport.
- Tuesday’s events illustrated how quickly a claim can empty parts of a terminal and disrupt passengers.
What authorities may review
Officials at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International have not announced long-term policy changes yet, but they are likely to examine:
- Camera footage and radio logs
- Officer response times and protocols
- How clearly information was shared with travelers, especially non-English speakers
Key takeaways
Even a single claim about a bomb can disrupt the flow of people and planes through a major airport and create lasting worry for those affected — particularly international travelers who may face additional immigration-related stress.
- No explosives found; flights continued on schedule.
- Investigation ongoing into the man who made the threat.
- Bomb threats are serious crimes and can carry substantial penalties, regardless of whether a device is present.
Authorities have not released details about the detained man’s identity, nationality, or immigration status. Federal agencies may review the case given the airport setting, but no federal charges have been announced.
This Article in a Nutshell
On Nov. 18, 2025, a man in Terminal 4 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport claimed a bomb in his bag, prompting the Broward Sheriff’s Office to detain him and call its Bomb Squad. Public pre-security areas were evacuated, while secure zones and flights continued operating. Technicians inspected a secured bag and found no explosives, issuing an all-clear. Authorities continue a criminal investigation into the man’s motive and potential charges, and officials will review response protocols.
