Major travel disruption has hit one of the United States' busiest airports after a significant police incident forced the closure of a key terminal.
Terminal Lockdown and Police Swarm
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was thrown into disarray on 26 December 2025 following reports of a suspicious package. Authorities swiftly moved to close the Departures Level lobby of Terminal 1, a hub for domestic flights, as a precautionary measure.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion as police officers swarmed the area. The airport's official social media channels confirmed the closure, urging the public to avoid the departures level of all domestic terminals while the emergency response was underway.
Widespread Travel Disruption
The immediate consequence of the security alert was severe operational paralysis. More than 200 flights were delayed, creating a ripple effect of cancellations and extended hold-ups that impacted thousands of passengers during the busy festive travel period.
Travellers faced lengthy queues, missed connections, and significant uncertainty as airport staff and airlines scrambled to manage the fallout. The incident underscored the vulnerability of major transport hubs to security scares and the speed at which normal service can unravel.
Ongoing Response and Passenger Advice
As a breaking news story, details continued to emerge throughout the evening. The primary focus for airport authorities and law enforcement was to secure the area and investigate the nature of the threat. Passengers were advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight status and to allow extra time if travelling to or from SFO.
The event at SFO serves as a stark reminder of the complex security challenges facing global aviation. While the full details of the police activity are yet to be disclosed, the impact on holiday travel was immediate and substantial, leaving a major US gateway in a state of prolonged chaos.
