Iranian national accused of threatening to 'blow up' plane after missing flight at Pittsburgh airport

An Iranian national threatened to blow up a plane on Wednesday at Pittsburgh International Airport after he missed his flight, authorities said 

Officials were called to the American Airlines gate at around 4:30 p.m. after the passenger missed his boarding time and claimed to have a bomb inside his checked bags when the agents did not let him onboard. 

"Responding police officers spoke to the American Airlines gate agents who reported the threat. The agents reported that a male who was standing adjacent to the ticket podium made a threat that his checked baggage contained a bomb. The threat was made after he was not allowed to board the aircraft due to being late. The threat was heard by two airline workers who each confirmed what the man stated," police said in the statement.

Airport authorities partially locked down the concourse and deplaned all of the passengers on board flight 1862 to Philadelphia. 

“It was an American flight. I saw a lot of law enforcement in the B terminal prior to arriving in that central area. But once I got there, I saw a crowd of people. The policemen and the elevated policemen with the body armor were storming through the B terminal and running," said Rachel Riordan, who was onboard the flight.

The entire airplane was searched with bomb-sniffing dogs and X-ray machines. However, authorities determined that no bombs were onboard the aircraft.

The man, identified as 37-year-old Iranian national Hossein Dehnavifard, was arrested and transported to Allegheny County Jail. He has been charged with making terrorist charges and threatening to use weapons of mass destruction. 

He was released on Thursday on a non-monetary bond, country officials said. TSA might impose a civil penalty. 

"Safety and security are our top priorities and we are thankful for our customers' understanding," an airline spokesperson said in a statement.

After the investigation, the airport resumed operations as normal.