Official: Fake bomb threat briefly delays JetBlue flight in Dominican Republic

JetBlue flight in DomRep delayed after threat

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Officials say an anonymous bomb threat briefly grounded a JetBlue flight that was departing the Dominican Republic for Puerto Rico.

Airline spokeswoman Jenny Dervin says the Tuesday morning flight to San Juan was delayed by 40 minutes. She said she did not know whether the caller had singled out a specific airline or flight at Las Americas Airport in Santo Domingo.

Dominican officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It is unclear if the caller was identified or anyone arrested.

The threat was made as authorities worldwide increase security following an attempted Christmas Day attack on a U.S.-bound flight.