An aircraft has been grounded at King Phalo Airport in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province after a reported bomb threat, prompting the safe disembarkation of all 184 passengers on board.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the threat was received through a telephone call from an unidentified individual who called from a private number and claimed that an explosive device was aboard the aircraft.
The report triggered an emergency security response, with authorities holding the aircraft while specialist teams conduct safety checks and follow established security procedures.
According to the police, several security agencies and emergency responders have been deployed to the airport, including the Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 explosive detection teams, hostage negotiators, disaster management officials, airport security personnel and emergency medical services.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the source of the threat and determine its credibility, while security personnel continue to manage the situation.
The police said further details were unavailable at the time of the statement and appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or interfering with ongoing operations.
SAPS assured the public that additional information would be released as developments unfold.
The authorities have not revealed the identity of the caller, the airline involved or the aircraft’s intended destination.
