In the bustling skies above Singapore, a routine flight took an alarming turn on October 12, 2023. A 30-year-old Australian man was arrested for making a bomb threat onboard a Scoot flight TR16 heading towards Perth from Singapore, according to The Straits Times.
He was arrested for criminal intimidation after the police had finished their security checks on the aircraft.
The Bomb Threat Incident
The incident occurred approximately one hour into the flight after it left Changi Airport at about 4.11pm, prompting immediate action.
The decision to turn back was made, and the plane safely landed back at Changi Airport at 6:27pm. Passengers remained on board, their safety the utmost concern.
The flight, originally destined for Perth at 8:35pm, was significantly delayed due to these unforeseen circumstances.
Swift action was taken by the Singaporean police. As the plane was en route, they were informed of the potential threat, with the pilot reporting that there was a bomb threat on board but believed that it was was hoax.
This sparked a rapid and calculated response. The security checks were intensified to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The priority was to avert any potential disaster.
Singapore’s security apparatus swung into action. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was activated to escort the aircraft back to Changi Airport.
The police boarded the plane upon arrival and and escorted to people out.
In the age of instant communication, news spread like wildfire. A video showing a fighter jet accompanying the Scoot plane was posted on social media platforms, causing quite a sensation.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
RSAF’s statement
Earlier this evening, two of our F-15SG fighter aircraft were activated to escort a Scoot flight, TR16, back to Singapore Changi Airport due to a suspected bomb threat onboard the aircraft.
The flight had departed Singapore and was enroute to Perth. Our fighters escorted the airliner till it landed safely at Changi Airport.
Team RSAF is always ready 24/7 to keep Singapore’s skies safe!