Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that a reported bomb threat involving FlySafair flight FA388 was successfully de-escalated at King Phalo Airport in East London in the Eastern Cape.
Passenger Services received a call reporting a bomb threat involving the flight at 07:59 on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
The relevant terminal supervisor and airport security were notified, prompting the activation of established security protocols.
“I wish to assure all travellers and users of our ACSA airports that the situation was successfully handled by all relevant authorities and that all passengers and crew are safe,” ACSA Acting CEO Charles Shilowa said in a statement.
ACSA operational teams, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Fire Chief, the bomb squad, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities immediately coordinated the security response through the Emergency Control Centre (ECC).
“By the time the aircraft landed, all emergency protocols had been activated. The necessary personnel, emergency vehicles and bomb squad were positioned in the designated isolation area, away from the terminal, to receive the aircraft and conduct the required security checks.
“At 09:38, the pilot authorised passengers to disembark. A comprehensive explosives-detection sweep was conducted in accordance with all applicable aviation procedures, airport safety requirements and SAPS protocols,” ACSA explained.
Once all required checks had been completed, the incident was resolved and formally stood down at 10:58, allowing airport operations to continue.
Business continuity plans were activated alongside the emergency procedures, ensuring that there was no further risk to lives.
“ACSA urges members of the public, travellers and all airport users to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity, unattended items or other security concerns to the nearest airport security official or staff member.
“Members of the public should not investigate suspicious items. Instead, they should follow all instructions from airport personnel and security officials, as cooperation is essential to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment. ACSA remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment.” – SAnews.gov.za
