Bomb threat on FlySafair with 184 passengers proves false
EAST LONDON — Police are tracing an anonymous caller after a bomb threat involving a FlySafair flight with 184 passengers triggered an emergency response at King Phalo Airport on Wednesday. Searches found no explosives or suspicious items.
Airports Company South Africa identified the aircraft as flight FA388 and said Passenger Services received the threatening call at 07:59 on 21 October. Airport security protocols were activated before the aircraft landed, with emergency personnel positioned in an isolation area away from the terminal.
All passengers and crew disembarked safely. Responders included police bomb disposal specialists, explosive-detection dogs, airport security, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Police subsequently confirmed that a systematic search of the aircraft and luggage found no explosives, explosive devices, suspicious objects or hazardous materials. The scene was declared clear and handed back to airport security.
ACSA acting chief executive Charles Shilowa said the incident had been successfully handled by the relevant authorities and assured travellers that passengers and crew were safe. The coordinated response was managed through the airport’s Emergency Control Centre.
The false alarm has nevertheless prompted a criminal investigation. Police said a case under the Explosives Act had been registered and investigators were working to identify the caller.
The information reviewed does not establish the caller’s identity or motive, and no arrest was announced. A detailed account of flight delays or the number of other services affected was also not provided.
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