Substance Found At Charlotte Airport Probably Edible

A hazardous materials team tested a substance that spilled at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and discovered it was likely edible.

Firefighters pulled two black garbage bags from a US Airways Airbus A-321 at Concourse B after receiving a call from airport officials. Capt. Rob Brisley with the Charlotte Fire Department said the substance had to be tested to be identified, but said shortly after hazmat teams arrived that there was no threat to passengers or other people.

Tests showed the substance was sugar-based, non-corrosive and not harmful. It may have been honey, corn syrup or wine.

An airline spokeswoman said the plane was at the terminal overnight and the spill was discovered when employees were loading the plane with passengers’ bags for a flight Tuesday morning.

"It was a little suspicious so they contacted the proper authorities because they didn't know what it was. They did the right thing. Safety is the number one priority," said US Airways spokeswoman Michelle Mohr.

The plane was grounded until the substance was identified.

Mohr said there has been no interruption of flight schedules or gate assignments. She said alternate arrangements were made for the passengers who were supposed to be on the affected plane.

US Airways has its largest hub at the Charlotte airport.