Two passengers have been arrested in connection with the FlySafair bomb threat.
What we know about the two passengers arrested for FlySafair bomb threat
In a statement, Cape Town police confirmed that the passengers were nabbed for contravening “the civil aviation act following comments made on board that are classified as acts of unlawful interference with aircraft operations.”
According to police, alarm was raised when the passengers, both male, informed a fellow rider of a bomb threat.
“Cabin crew was alerted and Emergency procedures were activated. SAPS K9 and Bomb technicians as well as the Special Task Force were called in. A tactical approach was activated and the suspects were removed from the aircraft. Passengers were also moved by the airline. SAPS K9 and Bomb Technicians proceeded to clear the aircraft where they only found two optic scopes for rifles which are not classified as dangerous weapons or items in terms of the Firearms Control Act of 2000,” police revealed.
All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft as a precautionary measure.
What we know so far
In a statement, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that the SAPS Bomb Squad was alerted and deployed to Cape Town International Airport on Thursday evening.
ACSA regional general manager for Cluster 2 Mark Maclean, emphasised that “the safety and security of the passengers and crew are of utmost importance.”
He praised the prompt response from the FlySafair crew and the combined efforts of the SAPS and the Aviation Security (AVSEC) team in managing the potential security threat.
Authorities conducted a thorough sweep of the aircraft to ensure no explosive devices were present.
The security operation continued late into Thursday night, with heightened security measures likely to remain in place until the investigation is fully completed.
ACSA advised affected families to contact the airline for further information or media-related queries. The agency promised to provide ongoing updates as the situation evolves.
Maclean reiterated:
“All necessary measures are in place to mitigate any risks associated with this threat.”
SAPS concluded the statement with a warning for passengers:
“The SAPS reminds passengers and airport users that it is an offence to commit an act of violence, including an assault or threat, whether of a physical or verbal nature, against any person including a crew member which is likely to endanger the safety of that aircraft. It is also an offence to communicate information which he or she knows to be false to other passengers or aircraft crew. Disorderly behaviour , being in a state of intoxication and behaving in a violent manner is also a criminal offence.”