FlySafair Flight Grounded in Cape Town After Bomb Threat, Declared Safe Later
Image Source: via FlySafair
Published by Everything ZA News
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – A FlySafair flight bound for Johannesburg was grounded Thursday evening at Cape Town International Airport after a reported bomb threat. The incident caused delays but did not disrupt overall airport operations, officials said.
The alert originated with the crew of FlySafair flight FA102, scheduled to depart at 5:25 pm. According to Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the crew became aware of a “possible security threat aboard the aircraft.”
ACSA immediately deployed the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) bomb squad to the scene. All passengers disembarked safely, and a thorough inspection of the aircraft was conducted.
By 10:00 pm, authorities declared the aircraft safe. ACSA spokesperson Thea Govindsamy attributed the threat to “comments made by two passengers aboard the aircraft.” The statement emphasized that the incident was isolated and did not pose a wider security risk.
“We can confirm that two suspects were apprehended,” ACSA said, “and that there are no further risks to airport operations.”
FlySafair officials confirmed the incident but deferred comment on specifics to SAPS, citing ongoing investigations. Passengers were eventually placed on a different aircraft which departed around 10:30 pm.
SAPS did not respond to requests for comment before press time.
ACSA regional general manager Mark Maclean commended the airline’s swift response and the collaborative efforts of SAPS and aviation security personnel in ensuring passenger safety.
“The safety and security of passengers and crew are of utmost importance,” Maclean stated. “We would like to assure the public that Cape Town International Airport is operating normally this morning.”
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