A Singapore Airlines flight was briefly grounded at South Africa’s OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday following a bomb scare on the plane.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said in a statement that it had received an alert about an alleged bomb on-board the aircraft, which had made a stopover in Johannesburg around 6.15am (0415 GMT) while en route to Cape Town.
“Airports Company South Africa can confirm that it received a notification of an alleged bomb on-board a Singapore airline, SQ 478 on the morning of Tuesday, 14 March,” the statement said.
The company said emergency services were activated along with fire and rescue officials and South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the safety of the passengers and screen the aircraft.
“At approximately 11h39am the aircraft was declared safe by SAPS, after screening was completed by K9 units,” the company said.
According to ACSA, 54 passengers were on the flight SQ 478 when the bomb threat was received.
JN/APA