Miami International Airport (MIA) resumed operations Sunday evening, January 25, 2026. This followed a precautionary evacuation. A suspicious item caused the closure of parts of the terminal. The incident began around 5 p.m.. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office responded to unattended luggage. It was found at Door 21 in the South Terminal.
Security Alert Sparks Evacuations
The discovery of the bag triggered a swift security response. Airport officials deemed it suspicious. This followed standard safety procedures. Authorities ordered a precautionary evacuation. This was a measure of abundance of precaution. Travelers evacuated the secure areas. Access to some roadways closed. The curbside roadway also shut down. TSA checkpoints for Concourses G, H, and J were cleared. These areas remained closed during the investigation. Law enforcement maintained a visible presence.
Panic and Confusion Grip Passengers
Witnesses reported sudden fear inside the terminals. One passenger heard a “pop.” This led to widespread panic. Everyone rushed for the exits. Rumors of a shooting spread. This amplified the panic. Passengers received instructions to leave quickly. Little information was provided about the threat. Confusion spread among travelers. Some passengers claimed flights were delayed. However, official confirmation was lacking.
Bomb Squad Investigates Suspicious Bag
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad arrived. They conducted a thorough security sweep. This is standard procedure for unattended items. Specialist officers assessed the luggage. They also checked the surrounding area. The evacuated sections stayed closed during this assessment. The investigation lasted several hours.
All Clear Issued; Operations Restart
The Bomb Squad provided the all-clear. This occurred around 7:40 p.m.. They confirmed no hazardous materials were present. Authorities reopened security checkpoints. Passengers were allowed back into evacuated areas. Miami International Airport confirmed operations resumed. The announcement came around 7:25 p.m.. The situation was resolved. Affected areas began reopening.
Major Travel Disruptions Ensue
The incident caused significant travel disruptions. It resulted in hours of delays. Airlines cancelled approximately 148 flights that Sunday. Another 185 flights experienced delays. These disruptions added to existing travel problems. Severe winter weather impacted airports nationwide. Winter Storm Fern caused widespread issues. This storm alone led to 248 cancellations at MIA. Some passengers endured long waits. They sought to re-enter terminals. Others missed flight connections. A Swiss International Air Lines flight departed three hours late.
Airport Security Protocols Discussed
This event underscores airport security measures. Passengers must control their belongings. Unattended baggage may be searched or removed. Travelers should report suspicious activity. They can contact airline staff or the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. This incident followed a recent security scare. A passenger made a remark about a bomb. That individual faced arrest.
Current Affairs and Future Preparedness
The airport advised travelers to expect delays. This advice is important for future travel. The event highlights the critical role of airport security. Miami is a significant hub for current affairs in air travel. Such incidents affect passenger trust. They also impact airport operations. Investigations into the bag’s owner continue. No further details about the item were released. Miami International Airport remains vigilant against security threats. This ensures passenger safety. Current events shape the discourse on airport security.
