Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Ohio Due to Bomb Threat

Travelers got a midair scare today on one of the busiest travel days of the year, after an unruly passenger's bomb threat forced a plane to make an emergency landing, a government official told ABC News.

The United Express flight, carrying 53 on board, was headed to Washington D.C. from St. Louis, Missouri, around 11 a.m. when the passenger reportedly claimed to have a bomb. The flight was diverted to the Port Columbus International Airport in Ohio, where the aircraft was placed in an isolated area, according to airport spokesman David Whitaker.

By noon, passengers were put on buses after their bags were pulled off the plane and thoroughly checked. The Columbus Division of Fire and Bomb Squad as well as the FBI took part in the investigation. Whitaker said no problems were found on the plane, according to The Associated Press.

With the holiday weekend drawing near - and authorities concerned about a potential terror attack -- fliers said they definitely saw an uptick in security.

"There seem to be a lot more canine units out," said Rachel Stephenson, who was not on the United Express flight, "and a lot more people on the ground."

The passenger who made the threat was questioned by law enforcement and then released. No further details about the passenger were released. Authorities did not say what about the passenger's remarks had made the flight crew decide to request an emergency landing. Whitaker said no one had yet been charged, according to the AP.