Authorities Clear Two Paris-Bound Air France Flights Diverted Over Anonymous Threats

Two Air France flights bound for Paris from the U.S. that received anonymous threats phoned in while they were in the air have been cleared by authorities and declared safe.

Both flights were diverted after takeoff — one flying from Los Angeles to Paris was diverted to Salt Lake City, while around the same time, a plane that took off from Dulles International Airport near D.C. was diverted to Halifax, Canada, the Associated Press reports.

Passengers were removed from both planes safely and taken to terminals while authorities investigated and interviewed travelers. Late last night, the FBI said officials found no credible threat. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also said investigators didn’t detect evidence of an explosive device after searching the plane and its cargo.

“As a precautionary measure and to conduct all necessary security checks, Air France … decided to request the landings of both aircraft,” the carrier said in a statement at the time, adding that the “source of the telephone call” was being investigated.

Passengers on the L.A. to Paris flight took off again around 12:29 a.m. Wednesday, while the passengers in Canada will have to wait until tonight to fly to Paris.

“We received a complaint of a bomb threat and we responded to it,” RCMP Constable Mark Skinner told the AP of that flight.

No threat found on both diverted flights from US to Paris [Associated Press]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.