Phoenix Sky Harbor terminal reopened after police find ‘suspicious item’

PHOENIX — The largest terminal in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was closed for about an hour on Wednesday as police investigated a “suspicious item.”

According to the airport’s Twitter account, police first began investigating the item in Terminal 4 around 9 p.m.

Police are currently investigating a suspicious item in Terminal 4. As a precaution, the A and D Security Checkpoints are currently closed. The B & C Security Checkpoints remain open. We will provide more updates as they become available.

— PHX Sky Harbor (@PHXSkyHarbor) November 16, 2017

The investigation also caused the closure of the A and D security checkpoints. The B and C security checkpoints remained open.

In addition, the investigation also closed the Level 1 and 2 west end curbs of Terminal 4.

Airport officials said the situation was resolved and they were working to “return to normal operations” around 10 p.m. They did not clarify what the item was.

Police have resolved the situation and we are working to return to normal operations. The West End Level 1 curb at Terminal 4 is open for pick-up and drop-offs.

— PHX Sky Harbor (@PHXSkyHarbor) November 16, 2017

Airport officials were recommending that travelers get picked up by taking the Sky Train to 44th and Washington streets.

Travelers were posting photos on social media of the backup that the investigation caused, particularly in the baggage claim area.

Scene at baggage claim in terminal 4 at sky harbor. Only one carousel operating. pic.twitter.com/PNvsqkTOuT

— Todd (@towhite) November 16, 2017

The same terminal was closed last week for more than 90 minutes so police could investigate another suspicious item. The item in question was safely removed, authorities said.

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