A bomb threat aboard a FlySafair flight carrying passengers from Johannesburg to KuGompo City triggered a major security operation at King Phalo Airport on Wednesday, leaving passengers shaken before police confirmed that no explosives or suspicious devices had been found.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the threat was a false alarm after a systematic search of the aircraft and luggage.

A case has been opened under Section 27(1A)(a) of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956, as investigators work to trace the person responsible for making the threat.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said its passenger services department received the bomb threat at 07:59 on Wednesday, prompting the immediate activation of airport security procedures.

The caller, using an unknown number, allegedly told the passenger information desk that there was a bomb aboard the aircraft.

The flight, FA388, operating from Johannesburg to KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape, landed safely at King Phalo Airport at 08:49, according to FlySafair.

The airline said the aircraft had 182 passengers and six crew members on board. SAPS and other media reports initially referred to 184 passengers.

All passengers and crew disembarked safely.

A multidisciplinary emergency response team comprising the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 explosive detection dogs, airport security, hostage negotiators, disaster management officials, firefighters and emergency medical services was deployed.

According to ACSA, the aircraft was directed to a designated isolation area away from the terminal, where security personnel and emergency vehicles were positioned to conduct the necessary checks.

At 09:38, the pilot authorised passengers to disembark, ACSA said.

A comprehensive explosives detection sweep was subsequently conducted in accordance with aviation safety procedures and SAPS protocols.

The incident was formally declared over at 10:58, allowing airport operations to continue.

EFF delegation caught up in scare

The incident also disrupted the Economic Freedom Fighters’ election programme in KuGompo City, with members of the party’s delegation among those travelling on the flight.

EFF elections spokesperson Sixolise Gcilishe said the incident delayed the delegation’s programme by about two hours.

Gcilishe said passengers had been informed of the possible threat after the flight had departed Johannesburg.

She told a radio station that passengers remained aboard for a period after landing while waiting for police to escort them off the aircraft.

Passengers were then taken to an assembly point and instructed to leave their luggage for examination by explosive detection dogs.

Gcilishe said the party’s programme would continue despite the disruption.

The incident caused understandable concern among those aboard, although the airline said its crew had managed the situation calmly and in line with established safety and security procedures.

Police investigate caller

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the threat had prompted a coordinated response involving several security and emergency services.

Following the search, SAPS said no explosives, explosive devices, suspicious objects or hazardous materials had been found.

The scene was declared safe and handed back to airport security.

Police have registered a case under the Explosives Act and are investigating the origin of the call.

SAPS warned that making a false bomb threat is a serious criminal offence that can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

The police urged members of the public not to speculate about the incident or interfere with the investigation.

Airport operations continue

ACSA acting chief executive Charles Shilowa assured travellers that the incident had been handled by the relevant authorities and that all passengers and crew were safe.

The airport company said its business continuity plans had been activated alongside emergency procedures to minimise disruption while protecting lives.

ACSA thanked the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and provincial security teams, FlySafair, airport personnel and other emergency responders for their coordinated response.

FlySafair confirmed that no other flights had been cancelled as a result of the incident and that its remaining operations were continuing normally.

Authorities have urged travellers to report suspicious activity and unattended items to airport security personnel rather than attempting to investigate them independently.

The investigation into the identity of the caller remains ongoing.