By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that a reported bomb threat involving FlySafair FA388 was successfully de-escalated at King Phalo Airport .
At 07:59, Passenger Services received a call reporting a bomb threat involving the flight. The relevant terminal supervisor and airport security were notified, prompting the activation of established security protocols.
ACSA operational teams, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Fire Chief, together with the bomb squad, SA Police Services (SAPS) and other relevant authorities, coordinated the Emergency Control Centre (ECC) security response with immediacy.
By the time the aircraft landed, all emergency protocols had been activated, and the necessary personnel, emergency vehicles, and bomb squad were positioned in the designated isolation area, away from the terminal, for this type of emergency operation, to receive the aircraft and conduct the required security checks.
At 09:38, the pilot authorised passengers to disembark. A comprehensive explosives detection sweep was conducted in accordance with all applicable aviation procedures, airport safety requirements and South African Police Service (SAPS) protocols.
Once all required checks had been completed, the incident was resolved and formally stood down at 10h58, allowing airport operations to continue.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Charles Shilowa, Acting CEO said, “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.”
Shilowa urges members of the public, travellers, all airport users to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity, unattended items or other security concerns to the nearest airport security official or staff member.
SAPS confirmed that it had registered a case of contravention of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956, section 27(1A)(a). Investigations are ongoing to trace the caller.
According to the Provincial Police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana the KuGompo Explosives Unit received a complaint of a bomb threat at the airport. On arrival, Bomb Disposal members were briefed by airport security.
“A multi-disciplinary response was activated, including Bomb Disposal, K9 Explosive Detection Dogs, Airport Security, hostage negotiator, fire department, and Emergency Medical Services. All passengers, pilots, and cabin crew safely disembarked from the aircraft,” said Gantana.
Gantana said a systematic search of the aircraft and luggage was conducted. No explosives, explosive devices, suspicious objects, or hazardous materials were found. The scene was declared all clear and handed back to airport security.
The SAPS reminds the public that making a false bomb threat is a serious criminal offence, carrying a potential sentence of up to ten years’ imprisonment. She added that further updates would be provided as more information became available.