Post-9/11 Flight Ban Had One Exception: A Snakebite Victim Needing Rare Antivenom

Following the September 11 attacks, US authorities grounded all civilian flights across the country. However, one exception was made on September 12 for a medical emergency involving 62-year-old Lawrence Van Sertima. A jet was permitted to fly from Florida to California carrying a rare inland taipan antivenom urgently needed to save his life. The aircraft was escorted across the country by two military fighter jets to ensure safe passage.