A bomb threat involving a FlySafair flight travelling from Johannesburg to East London prompted a security operation at King Phalo Airport on Wednesday, October 21, 2026; however according to the South African Police Service (SAPS) the threat was a false alarm.
The incident involved FlySafair flight FA388, which was carrying 182 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft landed safely at King Phalo Airport at 8.49am, and everyone on board safely disembarked.
According to SAPS in the Eastern Cape, a systematic search of the aircraft and luggage found no explosives, explosive devices, suspicious objects or hazardous materials.
How the bomb threat unfolded at King Phalo Airport
The incident began when an unidentified caller contacted the airport's passenger information desk and alleged that there was a bomb on board the commercial aircraft.
Airport officials subsequently alerted SAPS, and members of the KuGompo Explosives Unit responded to the complaint. On arrival, airport security briefed bomb disposal officers.
A multi-disciplinary response was activated to manage the situation and investigate the threat.
Passengers and crew safely evacuated
All 182 passengers, the pilots and cabin crew safely disembarked from the aircraft while authorities carried out the necessary security procedures, FlySafair stated.
The response involved SAPS Bomb Disposal, K9 explosive detection dogs, airport security, a hostage negotiator, the fire department and Emergency Medical Services.
The aircraft was held at the airport while the security operation was conducted. King Phalo Airport supported the authorities in managing the scene.
SAPS confirms bomb threat was a false alarm
Following a systematic search of the aircraft and luggage, investigators found no explosives, explosive devices, suspicious objects or hazardous materials.
SAPS subsequently declared the scene clear and handed it back to airport security.
Although the threat was found to be a false alarm, police registered a case of contravention of Section 27(1A)(a) of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956.
Investigations were continuing to trace the person responsible for making the call.
FlySafair confirms normal flight operations continued
FlySafair confirmed that it had been informed of a potential security threat involving flight FA388 and was cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.
The airline thanked its crew and ground staff for managing the situation in accordance with established safety and security procedures. It also expressed appreciation to SAPS, King Phalo Airport and the emergency and security teams involved in the response.
FlySafair said the incident had not resulted in flight cancellations and that its other operations were continuing as normal.
The airline apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked passengers for their patience and understanding.
SAPS warns against making false bomb threats
SAPS reminded the public that making a false bomb threat was a serious criminal offence that could carry a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Police urged the public not to speculate about the incident and called on people to allow security agencies to conduct their investigations without interference.
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