Palm Springs airport faces evacuation and delays due to passenger who bypassed TSA checkpoint

Recently, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) in the United States was forced to conduct an urgent evacuation due to a security breach. The incident, which occurred at around 17:50 on February 24, delayed 14 flights and made adjustments to the plans of hundreds of passengers.

According to reports, one passenger with a ticket bypassed the TSA checkpoint without being screened. This was possible because there was no TSA officer at the checkpoint, Simple Flying reports.

According to a TSA spokesperson, the passenger who bypassed the checkpoint presented a photo ID and boarding pass before entering the screening area. He then moved on without waiting for the officer.

After discovering the violation, the airport immediately took measures to ensure the safety of all passengers. The terminal was evacuated, and police and TSA officers conducted a thorough search of the premises.

"Since the passenger failed the screening for potential security threats, PSP airport authorities decided to escort all passengers in the terminal area to the security checkpoint for re-screening by TSA officers," the statement said.

The person, who has not been named, was soon identified through surveillance cameras and detained. The security offender's motives are unknown at this time, but he reportedly faces no state charges.

Palm Springs Airport resumed normal operations about 40 minutes after the evacuation.

As TravelWise previously reported, you need to be very focused and attentive during an evacuation, as one mistake can cost passengers their lives.