Security Issue Delays Flights in Houston

March 10, 2006
Man went up the down escalator, but was deemed not a threat at Bush Intercontinental Airport

Several dozen flights were delayed Thursday at Bush Intercontinental Airport as authorities investigated reports of a possible security breach, officials said.

Airport security and Houston police searched and contained an area of Terminal C after a guard saw a man going up a down escalator leading from a secure area to baggage claim about 6:30 p.m., said Richard Fernandez, communications director for the Houston airport system.

He said the operations lasted for about an hour and ended after authorities reviewed security tapes and determined the man was not a threat.

The incident occurred in the Continental Airlines portion of the terminal and delayed "a few dozen flights" for up to 90 minutes, said Continental spokeswoman Julie King.

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