Diverted Delta flight to stay in Maine overnight

By Kristi E. Swartz

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Delta Air Lines flight headed to Atlanta from Paris has been diverted to Maine because of a disruptive passenger, an airline spokeswoman confirmed.

The man claimed to have a fake passport and explosives in his luggage.

Flight #273 was diverted to Bangor International Airport, Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliott said.

Delta arranged hotel accommodations in Bangor for all passengers Tuesday night. The passengers will return to Atlanta aboard a flight Wednesday morning, Elliott said.

Federal Air Marshals took the passenger into custody on the plane, Elliott said.

The person is now being questioned by authorities, Elliott said.

"Out of an abundance of caution the flight is being diverted to Bangor International Airport. TSA and law enforcement will meet the flight upon arrival," the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement.

The plane landed in Bangor around 3:37 p.m., according to Delta's Web site, which listed the flight as "diverted."

The flight is now scheduled to leave Bangor around 7 p.m. and arrive in Atlanta around 10:10 p.m., Delta's Web site says.

Nothing suspicious was found in the passenger's possessions.

The flight originally took off from Paris' Charles deGaulle Airport and was scheduled to land at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport shortly after 6 p.m., the airport's Web site said.

Bangor International Airport is accustomed to dealing with diverted flights, the Associated Press said.

It’s the first large U.S. airport for incoming European flights, and it’s the last U.S. airport for outgoing flights, with uncluttered skies and one of the longest runways on the East Coast. Aircraft use the airport when there are mechanical problems, medical emergencies or unruly passengers.

The Bangor airport is also a busy refueling hub for troop transports taking military personnel to and from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Check back with ajc.com for more information.