Official: Tampa aiport lock down was because of canine training exercise

Tampa airport lockdown due to training exercise

TAMPA, Fla. — Airport officials say a lockdown at a Tampa International Airport terminal was caused by a police dog training exercise.

Airport officials gave the all clear Wednesday afternoon about an hour after they barred passengers from leaving and entering one of the four terminals.

An e-mail from TIA spokeswoman Brenda Geoghagan said a training tool the canine team was using was unaccounted for in the Airside C terminal. Officials closed the terminal while a thorough search was conducted. They eventually found the training tool, but did not say what it was.

Eight departing flights and 1,000 passengers were affected by the closure. Officials said fewer than 10 people missed their flights.