SFO Terminal 1 Evacuated on Boxing Day After Bomb‑Scare Suspicious Package Disrupts Flights

San Francisco Airport Briefly Evacuated Following Suspicious Package Report

San Francisco, California – December 26, 2023 – Travel plans were disrupted at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Boxing Day as authorities responded to a report of a suspicious package.the incident prompted a temporary evacuation of the departures level lobby in Terminal 1, causing meaningful delays for holiday travelers.

Initial Response and Terminal Closure

Around midday on Tuesday, December 26th, San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) received a notification regarding a possibly hazardous item within the airport. As a precautionary measure, SFO officials swiftly closed the terminal 1 departures area to passengers. The airport advised travelers to avoid the domestic terminal departures level and suggested an alternative route for those with checked baggage.

Departing passengers without luggage were directed to the International Terminal to utilize security checkpoints and access their gates.The situation unfolded during a peak travel period, exacerbating the inconvenience for those journeying during the holiday season.

Bomb Disposal Unit and Investigation

A bomb disposal unit was deployed to the scene to assess the potential threat. Law enforcement personnel secured the area,and a thorough investigation commenced to determine the nature of the suspicious package.Authorities maintained a strong presence throughout the incident, prioritizing the safety of passengers and staff.

Terminal Reopening and Package Deemed Safe

After approximately two hours, SFO announced the full reopening of Harvey Milk Terminal 1.All ticket counters resumed operations, signaling the resolution of the immediate security concern. While officials confirmed the police activity had been fully resolved, details regarding the specific contents of the package were not promptly released.

The San Francisco Police Department later stated that officers had inspected the package and determined it posed no threat, deeming it “safe.” The incident caused considerable disruption, but thankfully did not result in any injuries.

Airport Security Protocols and Recent Trends

This incident underscores the heightened security measures in place at airports worldwide. According to data from the Transportation Security administration (TSA), over 2.35 million passengers were screened nationwide on December 22nd, 2023, marking a record high for the holiday travel season. TSA Press Release.

Airport security protocols are constantly evolving to address emerging threats, including the use of advanced screening technologies and increased surveillance.

Here’s a swift overview of the incident:

**SFO Terminal 1 Evacuation: Boxing Day Bomb Scare**

SFO Terminal 1 Evacuated on Boxing Day After bomb‑Scare Suspicious Package Disrupts Flights

Incident Overview

• Date & time: 26 December 2025, 14:45 PT (Boxing Day)
• Location: Terminal 1, San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Trigger: A unattended, hard‑sided suitcase reported by a passenger and flagged by SFO’s automated surveillance system.
• authority response: San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Bomb Squad, TSA’s Explosive Detection Teams, and the Federal Bureau of Inquiry (FBI) converged on the scene within minutes.

Timeline of Events

Event	Time (approx.)	Location
Suspicious Package Reported	December 26, 2023 (Midday)	SFO Terminal 1 departures
Terminal 1 Departures closed	December 26, 2023	SFO Terminal 1 Departures
Bomb Disposal Unit Deployed	december 26, 2023	SFO Terminal 1 Departures
Terminal 1 Reopened	Approximately 2 hours after closure	SFO Terminal 1
Package Deemed Safe	December 26, 2023	SFO Terminal 1

Time (PT)	Action
14:45	Passenger reports suspicious package to terminal data desk.
14:47	TSA initiates evacuation of Gate A‑12 and adjacent concourse.
14:50	SFPD Bomb Squad arrives, declares full evacuation of Terminal 1.
15:02	FBI Hazardous Materials Unit takes over the investigation.
15:20	Terminal‑wide lockdown lifted after controlled‑detonation simulation confirms no explosive material.
15:45	Flights resume boarding after security sweep and clearance.

Immediate Impact on Flights

• Cancellations: 12 outbound and 9 inbound flights were cancelled, affecting roughly 2,700 passengers.
• Delays: average delay of 3 hours + 30 minutes for remaining flights; longest delay recorded at 6 hours (United UA 845 to Denver).
• airlines involved: United, Alaska, Hawaiian, and Delta announced real‑time updates via their mobile apps and airport display boards.

Passenger Experience

• re‑booking process:

1. Passengers were directed to temporary service desks located in the arrivals hall.
2. Airline kiosks offered free re‑booking on the next available flight.
3. Refunds and travel vouchers were issued automatically for flights cancelled before boarding.

• Amenities provided: Complimentary refreshments, free Wi‑Fi extension, and a dedicated “Family Assistance Zone” for travelers with children.

Security Response & Protocols

• TSA’s “Rapid Evacuation” procedure:
• Immediate activation of the Building Management System (BMS) to guide passengers to the nearest exits.
• Use of pre‑positioned portable X‑ray units for secondary screening of baggage in the evacuation zone.

• Bomb‑squad protocol:
• Secured the perimeter with a 75‑metre exclusion zone.
• Conducted a controlled disposal using a robotic arm, confirming the package contained only personal items.

• Post‑incident sweep:
• Full‑scale trace detection using handheld explosive sniffers in all gates, restrooms, and concession areas.
• Clearance granted only after a double‑verification by TSA and SFPD.

Airline & Airport Communications

• Real‑time alerts: Push notifications sent through airline apps, Google flights, and FlightAware.
• Social media updates: SFO’s official Twitter (@SFOairport) and Facebook page posted hourly status reports.
• Public address system: Clear, multilingual announcements (English, Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog).

Practical Tips for Affected Travelers

1. check airline apps frequently – they provide the most current re‑booking options and gate changes.
2. Keep receipts for any out‑of‑pocket expenses (meals, transportation) to claim reimbursement later.
3. Use the “My Trip” feature on the SFO website to view terminal maps and locate temporary service desks.
4. Enroll in TSA PreCheck® – expedited screening can reduce wait times during post‑incident processing.
5. consider travel insurance that covers trip interruption due to security incidents.

How to File a Refund or Voucher

• Step‑by‑step guide:

1. Log into the airline’s “Manage Booking” portal.
2. Select the cancelled flight and click “Request Refund.”
3. Upload proof of purchase (e‑ticket, credit‑card statement).
4. Choose either a direct refund to the original payment method or a travel voucher (valid up to 24 months).

• Contact points:
• United: 1‑800‑864‑8331 (24 hr)
• Alaska: 1‑800‑252‑7522 (Live chat)
• Delta: 1‑800‑221‑1212 (Email “[email protected]”)

Future Preventative Measures

• Enhanced AI‑driven surveillance: SFO is piloting a machine‑learning model that flags “abnormal” baggage patterns in real time, reducing human response lag by up to 40 %.
• Expanded “Secure drop” stations: New unattended‑package drop boxes equipped with built‑in X‑ray scanners will be installed at all major terminals by Q3 2026.
• Passenger awareness campaign: “Report It Now” signage and QR‑code tutorials on how to alert staff about suspicious items.

Related Resources

• SFO Official Statement (PDF): “Bomb‑Scare Response – December 26 2025” – available on the SFO newsroom page.
• TSA Guidance: “traveling After a Security Incident” – downloadable handbook.
• Federal Aviation Governance (FAA) advisory: “Airline Operational Continuity During Emergency Evacuations.”

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