News Desk Reporter
Passengers and crew were reported safe after a bomb threat involving a FlySafair flight triggered an emergency response at King Phalo International Airport.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said its Passenger Services team received a call at 7.59 am reporting a threat involving flight FA388.
The incident happened yesterday, prompting the terminal supervisor and airport security to activate established security procedures.
ACSA operational teams worked with the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality fire chief, the bomb squad, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities. The response was coordinated through the Emergency Control Centre.
By the time the aircraft landed, emergency procedures were in place. Personnel, emergency vehicles and the bomb squad were positioned in a designated isolation area away from the terminal.
The teams were ready to receive the aircraft and conduct the necessary security checks.
The pilot authorised passengers to disembark at 9.38 am. A comprehensive explosives detection sweep was then conducted in line with aviation procedures, airport safety requirements and SAPS protocols.
The incident was formally stood down at 10.58 am after the required checks were completed. Airport operations were then allowed to continue.
ACSA said business continuity plans had been activated alongside the emergency procedures. This was done to protect lives and manage the incident without further risk.
“I wish to assure all travellers and users of our ACSA airports that the situation was successfully handled by all relevant authorities; all passengers and crew are safe,” said Charles Shilowa, ACSA’s acting chief executive.
ACSA thanked the SAPS bomb squad, security teams from the municipality and province, FlySafair, airport partners and its own security and operations teams for their response.
The airport operator also thanked passengers, the public, employees and other stakeholders for their patience, cooperation and understanding during the incident.
ACSA urged travellers and other airport users to remain vigilant. Suspicious activity, unattended items or other security concerns should be reported to the nearest airport security official or staff member.
It warned the public not to investigate suspicious items themselves. Instead, they should follow instructions from airport personnel and security officials.
ACSA said it remained committed to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment.