Flight takes off from PBIA after discovery of suspicious powder prompts inspection

WEST PALM BEACH — A Continental Airlines flight bound for Newark, N.J. was delayed for 30 minutes after a Transportation Security Administration worker discovered suspicious powder in baggage being screened for departure at Palm Beach International Airport Sunday.

The inspector found the powder shortly after 4:15 p.m., said Casandra Davis, spokeswoman for the airport. A hazardous-materials crew from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue analyzed the substance while passengers waited at the gate.

Flight 1175 finally took off at 5:37 p.m. and landed at Newark Liberty International Airport at 8:32 p.m.

There was no immediate word about what the substance was or whether the baggage was loaded onto the plane.