Spirit Airlines Statement: Flight 969

Spirit Airlines flight 969, scheduled for a 6am departure from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) to Chicago O'Hare international Airport (ORD), experienced a delay this morning due to law enforcement activity. While the aircraft was taxiing to the runway, a passenger alerted a flight attendant of a passenger engaged in suspicious activity on board. The flight attendant notified the captain, and out of an abundance of caution, the plane returned to the gate. Law enforcement officers removed four passengers from the plane for questioning. All passengers were deplaned for a brief time. The aircraft and luggage were cleared by the TSA and the plane took off just after 9am. All questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the TSA and Maryland Transportation Authority Police.

CONTACT: Stephen Schuler
         954-364-0231
         [e-mail]