Tulani Ngwenya
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) resumed normal operations on Friday following a bomb scare, a significant security threat that disrupted activities on Thursday evening.
The incident involved FlySafair flight FA102, which was scheduled to depart for OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg after two passengers on board made suspicious remarks that led the flight crew to report a possible security threat.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) bomb squad was quickly dispatched to handle the situation.
The crew’s quick action led to the immediate disembarkation of all passengers and crew, ensuring their safety while the bomb squad conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft.
Teams from SAPS and Aviation Security (AVSEC) conducted the investigation, which verified that the threat was a one-time occurrence and that there were no explosives on board.
Mark Maclean, ACSA Regional General Manager for Cluster 2, commended the coordinated efforts, stating, “The safety and security of the passengers and crew are of utmost importance. We commend the rapid response of the SAPS and AVSEC teams, which ensured that all the necessary measures were in place to mitigate any risks associated with this threat.”
After the aircraft was cleared, passengers were rebooked on another flight, which departed later in the evening without further incident, ensuring their safe arrival at their destination.
FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, emphasised the airline’s commitment to passenger safety, urging the public to refer to the police for further details regarding the incident. According to ACSA’s official statement, the threat was a one-time occurrence brought on by the remarks of two people who have since been taken into custody. After a comprehensive inspection, SAPS deemed the aircraft safe, meaning that there are no longer any risks to airport operations.
ACSA assured stakeholders and the general public that the incident had no effect on CTIA’s operations and that the airport is still operating normally as of right now. The prompt response and collaboration between the SAPS, AVSEC, and the airline’s staff were crucial in managing the situation effectively and maintaining safety standards.
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“We would like to highlight the importance of incident management and the necessity of collaboration in ensuring the safety and security of our passengers and crew,” added Maclean. “We take such threats very seriously and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security.”
FlySafair’s passengers and crew were praised for their cooperation and patience throughout the ordeal. The airline and ACSA continue to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure all potential risks are mitigated and that such incidents are handled with the utmost priority. Families of passengers seeking additional information are encouraged to contact FlySafair directly. For media inquiries, ACSA has requested that questions be directed to their communications team for the latest updates.
