Phuket –
Phuket International Airport was thrown into chaos on Friday (May 24th) when a Thai passenger falsely claimed there was a bomb onboard a flight. The incident prompted an emergency response, delaying the flight and triggering stringent security measures.
At approximately 3:17 P.M., the passenger, aboard a flight bound for Don Mueang (DMK) from Phuket (HKT), told a flight attendant that there was an explosive device in the overhead baggage compartment of the Airbus aircraft. Following standard safety protocol, the crew immediately notified the pilot, who relayed the information to air traffic control.
The aircraft was directed back to an isolated parking bay, causing alarm among the 200 passengers onboard. Phuket Airport authorities swiftly activated their emergency action plan in response to the bomb threat, strictly following ICAO safety standards.
Officials established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and coordinated efforts between security personnel, airline representatives, Phuket Provincial Police, and Tourist Police to manage the crisis efficiently. The suspect was detained, and a thorough inspection of passengers, luggage, and the aircraft was conducted.
After an extensive search, authorities confirmed that there were no explosives or security threats. The disruptive passenger was taken to Sakhu Police Station for further questioning and legal proceedings.
With safety concerns alleviated, the flight resumed its operations, instructing passengers to verify their luggage before reboarding the flight to continue their journey. Phuket International Airport reiterated its commitment to aviation security, reminding the public that false threats can lead to severe legal consequences.
