A 30-year-old Australian man was arrested on Thursday after allegedly making a bomb threat on a Scoot flight bound for Perth. The incident prompted a swift response from authorities and caused a temporary disruption for passengers.
Arrest and Response
The police were informed of the alleged bomb threat on the Perth-bound flight at approximately 4.55 pm. After completing security checks, the male passenger was arrested for criminal intimidation. Authorities take security threats seriously and are committed to preventing public alarm, according to a police spokesman.
In response to the incident, Scoot, a budget carrier, took immediate action. The flight, designated TR16, had departed from Changi Airport at 4.11 pm but was forced to return to Singapore approximately one hour into the journey due to the bomb threat. It safely landed back at Changi Airport at 6.27 pm.
Emergency Response
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was activated to escort the aircraft back to Changi Airport, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. Emergency services were also mobilized to respond to the situation.
Flight TR16 had 363 passengers and nine cabin crew members on board, along with two pilots. The aircraft’s flight path on the flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed it circling off the east coast of Malaysia before heading back to Changi Airport.
Passengers on board the flight were informed of “minor issues” at around 5.05 pm. The arrival of fighter jets to escort the flight prompted some passengers to take photos, with many not sensing significant alarm.
Despite the pilot’s announcement of a bomb threat, some passengers believed it to be a possible hoax, given that security checks were part of standard regulations.
Resolution and Assistance
After disembarking, passengers were provided with refreshments. Scoot also announced that affected passengers would receive hot meals during their rescheduled flight to Perth, which was slated to depart later at night.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore temporarily closed a runway at Changi Airport from 6.26 pm to 7.25 pm to facilitate ground operations, but operations resumed as usual following the incident.
The investigation into the alleged bomb threat is ongoing, and authorities continue to prioritize the safety and security of air travel in the region.
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