Bomb threat reported on aircraft at King Phalo Airport in KuGompo, 184 passengers evacuated

An aircraft carrying 184 passengers was evacuated at King Phalo Airport in KuGompo City, formerly East London, in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday following a bomb threat made by an unknown caller

The threat prompted a multi-disciplinary security response involving the police’s Bomb Disposal Unit and explosive detection dogs.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed on Wednesday that the threat was reported through a telephone call from an unknown person using a private number.

“All 184 passengers on board have safely disembarked,” Gantana said. 

The aircraft is being held at the airport as authorities follow standard security protocols while investigating the reported threat.

Bomb disposal unit and K9 teams deployed

SAPS said a multi-disciplinary response team had been activated and was at the scene to manage the incident and assess the reported threat.

The team includes the Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 explosive detection dogs, hostage negotiators, Disaster Management, airport security and Emergency Medical Services.

The deployment brings together security and emergency response personnel as authorities work to establish whether the threat is credible.

“The scene is being managed by the relevant authorities, and investigations into the origin of the threat are ongoing,” Gantana said.

Police investigate origin of bomb threat

SAPS said no further information was available at this stage and urged members of the public to refrain from speculation while security agencies carry out their work.

“The public is advised not to speculate and to allow security agencies to conduct their work without interference,” Gantana said.

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