Bomb threat grounds Singapore Airlines plane at OR Tambo

54 passengers were stranded when an alleged bomb was reported aboard a Singapore Airlines aircraft

Part of why scams are so prevalent is the nature of the industry itself, says Kele Lekalake, executive manager at Harvey World Travel. Stock photo.
Part of why scams are so prevalent is the nature of the industry itself, says Kele Lekalake, executive manager at Harvey World Travel. Stock photo. (123RF/koharoon)

Scenes of K9 units and more law enforcement officers than usual dominated OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday morning after a Singapore Airlines flight was grounded due to a bomb threat. 

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) confirmed it had received a notification of an alleged bomb on board the aircraft. Acsa told TimesLIVE 54 passengers were on the flight when the bomb threat was received.

“The aircraft landed at OR Tambo. Emergency services were activated, along with fire and rescue and the SA Police Service (SAPS).”

Just before midday, the aircraft was declared safe, after screening was completed by police K9 units. It proceeded to the destination, Cape Town.

Acsa said it would continue to act swiftly to prioritise the safety of passengers. 

This is a developing story. 

TimesLIVE

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.


Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Comment icon