KuGompo City (East London) – A bomb scare on an incoming flight at King Phalo Airport in the Eastern Cape has been safely de-escalated.
Commenting on the security incident, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said: “A reported bomb threat involving FlySafair FA388 was successfully de-escalated at King Phalo Airport on Wednesday, 21 October 2026”.
ACSA said the relevant terminal supervisor and airport security were notified, prompting the activation of established security protocols.
ACSA operational teams, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Fire Chief, the bomb squad, the South African Police Service and other relevant authorities coordinated the Emergency Control Centre security response.
By the time the aircraft landed, all emergency protocols had been activated, and the necessary personnel, emergency vehicles, and bomb squad were positioned in the designated isolation area, away from the terminal.
ACSA explained that the isolated area is for this type of emergency operation, to receive the aircraft and conduct the required security checks.
“At 09:38, the pilot authorised passengers to disembark,” ACSA said.
“A comprehensive explosives detection sweep was conducted in accordance with all applicable aviation procedures, airport safety requirements and South African Police Service protocols.
“Once all required checks had been completed, the incident was resolved and formally stood down at 10h58, allowing airport operations to continue.”
ACSA said Business Continuity Plans were activated concurrently with the emergency procedures, while ensuring there was no further risk to lives.
In a statement, ACSA commended the South African Police Service Bomb Squad, Security Cluster (from BCMM and Province), FlySafair, airport partners and ACSA Security and Operations for their response and activation.
“ACSA further thanks passengers, the public, employees and all stakeholders for their patience, cooperation and understanding during the incident.
“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.
“The public should not investigate suspicious items but should follow all instructions from airport personnel and security officials, as cooperation is essential to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment.”
ACSA said remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment.
The post Bomb Threat On FlySafair FA388 Flight Successfully De-escalated At King Phalo Airport appeared first on The Bulrushes.
