Bristol Airport Bomb Scare Leads to Evacuation, Flight Delays

England's Bristol Airport was evacuated for several hours Saturday after a "suspicious package" was discovered aboard an arriving flight, the BBC reported.

Airport officials uncovered the package during a routine inspection of a Ryanair flight traveling from Alicante, Spain. The flight landed at Bristol Airport shortly before midnight local time Saturday.

The airport was shut down for six hours while police investigated the package and at least a dozen inbound flights were diverted to other airports as a result.

"During a routine inspection, a written hoax bomb threat was discovered on the aircraft," a Ryanair spokesman told the Bath Chronicle. "Police carried out a security search and cleared the aircraft to return to service at 8:55 this morning. Ryanair sincerely apologised for any inconvenience caused."

The airport eventually reopened once police gave the all-clear, but delays were felt throughout the weekend.

1/2 We have fully reopened following a security incident overnight.

— Bristol Airport (@OfficialBRS) August 23, 2015

2/2 Passengers are advised to check in as normal although delays may be experienced throughout the day.

— Bristol Airport (@OfficialBRS) August 23, 2015

"Some delays to today's flight schedule can be expected as a result of this incident, but Bristol Airport is working with airlines to minimise disruption to passengers wherever possible," said an airport spokeswoman via the BBC.

"As a result of this incident, a total of 12 inbound flights diverted to other airports, and arrangements are being made to bring aircraft and passengers back to Bristol."

Unsurprisingly, the disruption was met with frustration from travelers, many of whom took to social media to voice their displeasure using the hashtag #BristolAirport.

Pretty glad I left at 3am to arrive at #Bristolairport & find its shut... ??

— Sophie Bennett (@SophieJane10) August 23, 2015

Been stuck on this plane for 3 hours to be told Bristol airport is still closed busses are being provided #Bristolairport

— katie crandon (@KatieCrandon) August 23, 2015

Airport closed. We have been taken to another room to wait here. Cannot go out, no one can come in. I'm hungry. #BristolAirport

— Sr. Puteum (@The_D1A7) August 23, 2015

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