FlySafair aircraft held at King Phalo Airport after bomb threat

A FlySafair aircraft was held at King Phalo Airport in KuGompo City, formerly East London, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, after an unidentified caller claimed that a bomb was on board.

The aircraft, operating as flight FA388 from Johannesburg, landed safely at 08:49, according to FlySafair. The airline confirmed that it was carrying 182 passengers and six crew members.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said authorities received a telephone call from an unknown person using a private number, warning of a possible explosive device aboard the aircraft.

“SAPS can confirm that a call was received from an unknown caller using a private number, alleging the presence of a bomb on the aircraft,” Gantana said.

Police initially reported that 184 passengers had safely disembarked. However, FlySafair’s subsequent statement placed the number of passengers at 182, alongside six crew members. The difference between the two figures has not been explained.

Bomb disposal specialists deployed

The South African Police Service (SAPS) activated a multidisciplinary emergency response involving its Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 explosive detection dogs, hostage negotiators, disaster management officials, airport security personnel and emergency medical services.

Gantana confirmed that the aircraft was being held in accordance with standard aviation security procedures while specialist teams responded to the threat.

“The scene is being managed by the relevant authorities, and investigations into the origin of the threat are ongoing,” she said.

Police have not confirmed whether any explosive device has been discovered or whether the threat is credible.

Airport operations continue

Despite the security operation, FlySafair confirmed that the incident had not resulted in any flight cancellations.

“There have been no flight cancellations as a result of this incident, and all other FlySafair operations are running as normal,” the airline said in a statement.

FlySafair said it had immediately informed the relevant authorities after becoming aware of the potential security threat and was cooperating with the investigation.

The airline also apologised to affected passengers for the inconvenience and thanked its crew, ground staff and emergency responders for their handling of the incident.

Meanwhile, police are investigating the origin of the anonymous telephone call.

Gantana urged members of the public to avoid speculation and allow security personnel to conduct their work without interference.

Further information about the reported threat and the investigation is expected to be released by the authorities.

Police have since confirmed that the bomb threat was a false alarm, with no explosives found during the search, and have opened a criminal case to trace the caller.