Bomb threat: Singapore scrambles F-15 jets to escorts the flight, investigation underway
- In Reports
- 02:59 PM, Oct 16, 2024
- Myind Staff
A Singapore-bound flight, AXB684, operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India and part of the Tata Group, received a threat email that there was a bomb on board. Investigations are ongoing.
“Two of our RSAF’s F-15SGs scrambled and escorted the plane away from populated areas, to finally land safely at Singapore Changi Airport at around 10:04 PM tonight,” the defence minister posted on Facebook.
“Our Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were also activated. Once on the ground, the plane was handed to the Airport Police. Investigations are ongoing,”
“Many thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our SAF and Home Team that keep us safe in our homes, even when threats exist around us,” the minister added.
Citing the Singapore Police Force (SPF), CNA reported that it was alerted to the bomb threat at about 8:25 PM (local time). The SPF confirmed, “The plane landed safely at Changi Airport at about 10:04 PM, under the escort of RSAF fighter aircraft. The police completed security checks thereafter. No threat items were found. The police take security threats seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who intentionally cause public alarm.”
The flight took off from the southern Indian city of Madurai at about 1:54 PM and was due to land in Singapore at about 8:50 PM, data from flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed.
In the past few days, several flights departing from India have faced disruptions due to bomb threats. Reports indicate that India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has launched an investigation after ten flights were grounded within a 48-hour period due to hoax bomb threats. The threats were reportedly issued from an unverified handle on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In light of the ongoing situation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has convened a high-level meeting for Wednesday to address the series of bomb threats received by Indian carriers.
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