Bomb Threat Grounds South Africa Flight

King Phalo Airport King Phalo Airport
SAPS has activated a multi-disciplinary response team at King Phalo Airport following a reported bomb threat on an aircraft carrying 184 passengers. Image: Instagram/@kingphaloairport

An aircraft carrying 184 passengers was held at King Phalo Airport in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province on Wednesday following a reported bomb threat.

The passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft after an unidentified caller allegedly reported that a bomb was on board. No injuries were reported during the evacuation.

The South African Police Service, SAPS, said security agencies immediately responded to the threat, deploying a multidisciplinary team to the airport to assess the situation and secure the aircraft. The response team included bomb disposal experts, explosive-detection dogs, hostage negotiators, disaster management personnel, airport security officials and emergency medical services.

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Police said the aircraft remained at King Phalo Airport as part of established security procedures while officers investigated the reported bomb threat. Authorities had not confirmed whether any explosive device or suspicious material was discovered on the aircraft as of the time of reporting.

Aircraft
Bomb Threat Grounds South Africa Flight. Credit SAV

The incident led security officials to conduct checks around the aircraft and other affected areas of the airport as investigators worked to establish the source and credibility of the reported threat.

SAPS appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation or sharing unverified information while the investigation continued.

Police said they would release further details as they became available.

King Phalo Airport serves East London and surrounding areas in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Authorities had yet to provide information on possible flight disruptions resulting from the security operation.

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  • Tope Oke

    Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.

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