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Sea-Tac Airport cleared of suspicious package

A suspicious package stopped incoming traffic Sunday afternoon, creating a massive backup.
Credit: James Ryken
The Port of Seattle Police shut down the departure terminal at Sea-Tac Airport to investigate a suspicious package. Photo: James Ryken.

Traffic is moving again at Sea-Tac Airport. The Port of Seattle Police has cleared a suspicious package that shut down the arrival and departure decks to incoming cars for at least one hour Sunday afternoon.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the upper drive has been evacuated," the airport tweeted Sunday afternoon.

The shutdown began around 2:30 p.m. The Port of Seattle's Bomb Disposal Unit and HAZMAT teams removed the package for further inspection, according to a spokesperson. After inspection, the port said the package did not contain any hazardous materials.

Late Sunday evening, the Port of Seattle announced police reviewed security footage and tracked down the person of interest that left the suspicious package. Officers determined that the subject suffers from mental health issues.

Police have not released whether the individual intentionally left the package outside the terminal.

WATCH: Passengers walk to airport

Traffic was at a complete standstill approaching the airport, forcing incoming passengers to wait while police cleared the scene. Dozens of people were not eager to wait and began walking their luggage toward the airport.

Arriving passengers were allowed to cross one of several skybridges into the airport, or enter through the south side of the parking garage.

Meanwhile, passengers leaving the airport flooded the light rail station.

The Port of Seattle spokesperson said traffic management specialists were dispatched to assist passengers during the deck closure. Airport buses picked up passengers attempting to walk up to the departure terminal.

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