Запись переговоров FAA: как остановили вылет самолета после нарушения безопасности в аэропорту Рочестера

FAA audio captures response to July 4 security breach at Rochester airport Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Newly obtained FAA audio recordings are shedding light on the response to a July 4 security breach at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. The recordings, obtained by 13WHAM through a federal Freedom of Information Act request, capture communications between airport operations and air traffic control moments after a passenger reentered the secure side of the airport through an exit lane. In one recording, an airport operations employee is heard telling the tower to stop a Southwest flight from leaving. “That Southwest that wants to pull off of the gate right now, do not let him leave,” airport operations said. BACKGROUND: Rochester airport responds after security breach over Fourth of July weekend | 13WHAM Investigation: A review of airport exit-lane security after breach at ROC Airport operations then alerted air traffic control to the breach. “We had a breach and they're having an issue and the pilot is being arrogant and doesn't want to comply,” airport operations said. Air traffic control responded, “Okay, do you want us to tell them, just not taxi them anywhere or—” “Yeah, they can pull off the gate, but they're going to stay right there,” airport operations responded. “Yeah, don't let them taxi. Don't let them move anyplace from the ramp.” The breach delayed Southwest Flight 1798, which was headed to Baltimore. In another FAA recording, a person identifying the aircraft as Southwest 1798 told Rochester clearance the flight would not be leaving as scheduled. “Hey, so we got a delay here on our end,” the person said. “We probably won't be departing for about another hour. Just wanted to give you a heads up so that our flight plan doesn't drop in the system.” The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies charged 25-year-old Ithalis Justiniano, of Rochester, with third-degree criminal trespass. Authorities said Justiniano had initially cleared TSA screening but then left the secure area through a designated exit instead of going to her assigned gate. Deputies said she was told she needed to return through the TSA checkpoint, but later waited for the exit doors to open and reentered the secure area through the exit lane. Deputies located Justiniano aboard a commercial aircraft at Gate A2 and escorted her off the plane without incident, according to the sheriff’s office. Passengers and baggage associated with the aircraft were rescreened as a precaution. A later FAA recording captured airport operations telling air traffic control the flight was cleared to leave following the rescreening. “That Southwest is good to go when they're ready,” airport operations said. “They're rescreening everybody and going through everything.” “So that aircraft is free to go whenever they're ready,” airport operations added. Southwest Flight 1798 was ultimately delayed more than two hours. Officials at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport told 13WHAM that their investigation, internal review or after-action review into the July 4 breach is no longer ongoing. The airport did not provide details about its findings, saying, “For the safety and security of our employees and our more than 2.6 million passengers yearly, we do not disclose our security posture.” The airport said there have been no additional breaches since the July 4 incident. Officials said the airport has recorded one breach to date in 2026 and one in 2025. ROC officials also told 13WHAM that no written report, corrective-action plan, after-action review or recommendation from TSA, VMD, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, FAA or airport operations has been received or completed. ROC previously told 13WHAM its exit-lane security uses a Technology Enhanced Security Force model, which includes smart one-way doors and a human security guard. The airport said it continually looks for potential enhancements to its security operations. VMD, the airport’s contracted security provider, told 13WHAM the incident was thoroughly investigated, adding, “We are committed to keeping the traveling public safe.” VMD said it could not comment further because of its contract agreement. Southwest Airlines did not respond to 13WHAM’s request for comment before publication.