'Unspecified threat' on flight a hoax

updated 5:19 p.m. ET March 10, 2008

NEWARK, New Jersey - An unspecified threat that forced passengers on a Continental Airlines flight from London to Newark to wait while their baggage was screened was determined to be bogus, officials said Monday.

Flight 115 landed at Newark Liberty International Airport about 2:45 p.m. and was taken to a designated emergency area, according to Marc LaVorgna, spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport.

Seventy-seven passengers were bused back to their gate while the cargo and luggage were screened. The screening was completed and passengers were allowed to retrieve their luggage about 4:30 p.m., LaVorgna said.

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The Port Authority said the precaution was taken because law enforcement officers told the agency of the threat.

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