Published on
November 19, 2025
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) experienced a partial evacuation affecting Terminal 4 after a bomb threat, prompting swift action by the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The incident led to heightened security measures and temporary disruption but did not ultimately impact overall airport operations, maintaining the area’s status as a key tourism and travel hub in Florida.
Incident Overview and Airport Response
On Tuesday afternoon, Broward Sheriff’s deputies evacuated both levels of Terminal 4 at FLL in response to a reported bomb threat. The threat originated when a man, later identified as Angel Orlando Fernandez-Garcia, claimed to possess a bomb in his baggage. This led to immediate containment procedures, including a comprehensive sweep by the sheriff’s Bomb Squad Unit.
Terminal 4, known as the International Terminal, services non-precleared international flights and houses concourses critical for international tourism arrivals and departures. Authorities swiftly secured the area and began the thorough examination of the suspect’s baggage to assess the credibility of the threat.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Fernandez-Garcia, aged thirty, was taken into custody on suspicion of submitting a false bomb report. Law enforcement sources confirmed no explosive device was found, concluding the threat to be unfounded. The respondent faced charges related to making a false report of a bomb, a serious offense given the potential danger and impact on public safety and airport functioning.
As of the late afternoon on Tuesday, official jail records had not yet shown the man’s booking. The case remains under active investigation by the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s Threat Management Unit, ensuring full legal follow-up and security review.
Impact on Airport Operations and Tourism
Despite the evacuation of part of Terminal 4, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport operations continued with minimal disruption. Travel advisories issued by airport authorities encouraged passengers to arrive on time and cooperate with security protocols.
FLL remains a vital gateway for both domestic and international tourism in South Florida, with Terminal 4 playing a pivotal role in handling international arrivals which significantly contribute to the region’s tourism economy. The swift resolution of the incident underscores the capacity of security teams to manage potential threats efficiently, reassuring travelers and stakeholders about safety standards.
Security Measures and Public Safety Protocols
The incident at FLL highlighted the robust security protocols implemented at major airports to protect travelers and maintain order. Upon receiving a threat, the coordinated response by sheriffs, bomb squads, and airport security ensured rapid evacuation and containment while minimizing anxiety and confusion among the public.
Such events, while disruptive, serve to reinforce the effectiveness of emergency preparedness strategies, including clear communication, designated evacuation zones, and thorough sweeps by specialized units. These protocols are essential in protecting tourism infrastructure and maintaining confidence in air travel security systems.
Fort Lauderdale’s Role in Florida’s Tourism Landscape
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport remains a cornerstone of Florida’s vibrant tourism sector, known for its accessibility to popular destinations along the Atlantic coast and the Caribbean. The airport supports millions of travelers annually, helping to sustain economic benefits tied to travel and hospitality industries.
Security incidents like this bomb scare, though rare, draw attention to the ongoing challenges faced in managing high passenger volumes while ensuring safety and convenience. Authorities’ ability to respond promptly without significant operational impact reflects the maturity and resilience of Fort Lauderdale’s tourism infrastructure.
Conclusion
The bomb threat at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and subsequent evacuation of Terminal 4 underscore the priority given to safety and security in one of Florida’s busiest travel hubs. The arrest of the individual responsible for the false report and the absence of any real threat prevented major disruption to airport services.
This incident highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and airport authorities in safeguarding tourism flow and protecting visitor welfare. Travelers can continue to rely on FLL as a secure, efficient gateway fueling Florida’s tourism vitality, confident that security protocols are in place to manage emergencies with professionalism and care.
