An American Airlines flight was significantly delayed on August 9, 2024, due to two separate incidents: a passenger attempting to board with a fake passport and a mechanical issue with the aircraft’s landing gear. The flight, which was scheduled to depart from Miami International Airport, faced nearly seven hours of delay.
The first issue arose when a passenger was caught trying to board the flight using a counterfeit passport. Security personnel identified the fake document during the boarding process, leading to an immediate halt and subsequent investigation by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The individual was detained and taken into custody for further questioning, causing an initial delay.
Shortly after resolving the passport issue, the flight encountered a mechanical problem related to the landing gear. As the aircraft was preparing for takeoff, the pilots received an alert indicating a potential malfunction in the landing gear system. For safety reasons, the flight was grounded while maintenance crews worked to inspect and resolve the issue. This extended the delay as engineers meticulously checked the aircraft to ensure it was safe for the journey.
Passengers aboard the flight were kept informed throughout the delay, though frustration grew as the hours passed. American Airlines provided meal vouchers and other amenities to passengers during the wait.
After nearly seven hours, the mechanical issue was resolved, and the flight was cleared for departure. The airline has since apologized for the inconvenience, emphasizing that safety remains its top priority. The delayed flight eventually took off, reaching its destination safely but much later than planned.