Passenger Bypasses Security at JFK Airport, Authorities Questioning Him (UPDATE: He Was Taking Cigarette Break)

UPDATE 8:15 p.m.: NEW YORK (AP) — The airline passenger who caused a security scare at New York City's Kennedy Airport was taking a cigarette break, authorities said.

The man went out to smoke after going through security screening and then returned through a gate that wasn't open, Port Authority spokesman Pentangelo said.

The man was interviewed but not arrested.

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NEW YORK (TheBlaze/AP) — An airline passenger who bypassed security at New York City's Kennedy Airport is being questioned, authorities said, and some flights have been delayed as a result.

Image source: JFK Airport website

The man passed through security in Terminal 8 without being screened at about 4:15 p.m. Saturday, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Passenger screening at the terminal was halted for about 90 minutes while authorities investigated the breach, Port Authority spokesman Joe Pentangelo said.

The breach has caused delays of up to an hour on all American Airlines flights at the terminal.

Authorities had no other information on the man or how he bypassed security.

Kennedy is one of the most heavily trafficked airports in the U.S., handling tens of millions of passengers each year.