7 June 2024: The South African Police Service (SAPS) bomb squad was deployed to Cape Town International Airport on Thursday night due to a security threat on a FlySafair flight. They arrested two passengers. Bomb squad personnel thoroughly checked the aircraft, forcing the passengers and crew to disembark. This created fear and anxiety among the passengers for scheduled flights. The bomb squad warned passengers and crew of potential security threats.
The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), which owns nine major airports in the country, confirmed that the bomb squad has been operating at the airport since Thursday evening. Passengers or their relatives have no reason to worry now. SAPS and relevant law enforcement agencies are also rushing to the scene to manage security threats at the airport, airport, and airline management to ensure compliance with all necessary aviation safety and security protocols.
Acsa regional manager Mark McLean confirmed: “Police are working together with the Aviation Security (AVSEC) team and have taken all necessary measures to mitigate any risk associated with this threat. He says the two companies must be commended for the quick response and action they took on the serious security concerns. We also appreciate the combined efforts of the police and AVSEC to maintain the safety of passengers and cabin crew.”
What do passengers say about the threat?
Passengers said they were scared enough of this bomb threat. They have tried to fully cooperate with the Bomb Squad personnel. But they had to stay on the plane for hours during the search.
Passenger Tony Gaffney told SAFM that after boarding the plane they were told there was an “operational problem” and they needed to attend. After four hours, they were accosted and transferred to a different plane. He also said that he and his fellow passengers understood very well that there was a bomb threat.
The crew of FlySafair flight FA102 was scheduled to depart for Johannesburg or Tambo International Airport (JNB). Passengers and crew were warned of a potential security threat shortly before it left. According to Flightradar24, flight 102 was scheduled to depart Cape Town at 17:25 and arrive in Johannesburg at 19:30 local time. However, the flight was delayed for more than five hours due to this bomb threat.
According to ACSA, some of the comments made by two passengers aboard Flight 102 caused so much panic among passengers. However, the Flysafe plane was declared safe by the SAPS shortly after the incident. Two people were arrested as soon as they became suspicious. The entire matter is currently being handled by the SAPS. Therefore, the airport could not make any further comments on the matter.
All operations are now back to normal at Cape Town International Airport.
Operations at Cape Town Airport are back to normal until June 7 due to last night’s security threat. Arrangements were made by the airport to rebook the affected passengers on other flights and reach their destinations safely. Flightradar24 shows FlySafair Flight 102 finally departing Cape Town at 22:44 and arriving at its destination at 00:25.
Statement of Mark McLean for the incident
To ensure the safety of all passengers and crew of the aircraft, almost all security measures are taken by the airport and SAPS. Wertan from the SAPS, a certified South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) detection dog came to the airport and visited the aircraft. ACSA Regional General Manager Cluster 2 Mark McLean elaborated on the security threat.
He pointed out that successful mitigation of threats is the result of good management, cooperation, and adoption of advanced security measures. He highlighted the importance of security assurance and said that their company never compromises with quality of the security. The airport did not have any details about the two passengers, whose reckless remarks caused panic among passengers. But the incident serves as a reminder; that any careless comment can land you in serious trouble.
Drug bust at Cape Town airport on June 6
In another incident at Cape Town International Airport on June 6, a 70-year-old traveler was allegedly found with packets of crystal methamphetamine (Tic) worth $32,000 (R600,000) in a hidden compartment of his luggage. On Thursday the SAPS’ Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, had information about a foreign national trying to leave the country with a large amount of drugs.
Lt Col Siabulela Vukubi said the suspected drug mule, a foreign national, was trying to leave SA with 4.1kg worth of drugs. After he became suspicious to the police, he was tracked down at the airport and his luggage was searched, eventually leading to his arrest on drug-trafficking charges.
