Bomb scare at one of South Africa’s major airports
This article has been updated with a statement published by Airports Company South Africa.
South African police have launched an investigation into a bomb threat against a FlySafair aircraft at King Phalo Airport in KuGompo City (formerly East London) on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the aircraft landed safely following a report from an anonymous caller who allegedly claimed there was a bomb on board.
“All 184 passengers on board have safely disembarked,” SAPS said. The aircraft is being held while authorities carry out security procedures and investigate the threat.
A multidisciplinary response team has been deployed to the airport, including the SAPS Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 explosive-detection dogs, hostage negotiators, disaster management officials, airport security personnel, and emergency medical services.
According to SAPS, the call was made from a private number, and investigators are working to identify and trace the person who made the threat.
“The scene is being managed by the relevant authorities, and investigations into the origin of the threat are ongoing,” the police service said.
The authorities have not provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the threat or whether any suspicious items have been found on the aircraft.
SAPS said the situation remained under the control of the relevant agencies, with security teams following established procedures in response to the reported threat.
The incident prompted a coordinated response involving several emergency and security services to ensure the safety of passengers and others at the airport.
The police have urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation continues.
“The public is advised not to speculate and to allow security agencies to conduct their work without interference,” SAPS said.
The police service added that further updates would be provided as more information became available. The investigation into the anonymous call remains ongoing.
Airports Company South Africa confirms airport operations to continue
Airports Company South Africa confirms that a reported bomb threat involving FlySafair FA388 was successfully de-escalated at King Phalo Airport on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
“I wish to assure all travellers and users of our ACSA airports that the situation was successfully handled by all relevant authorities, all passengers and crew are safe,” said Charles Shilowa, Acting CEO.
At 07:59, Passenger Services received a call reporting a bomb threat involving the flight. The relevant terminal supervisor and airport security were notified, prompting the activation of established security protocols.
ACSA operational teams, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Fire Chief, together with the bomb squad, SAPS and other relevant authorities, coordinated the Emergency Control Centre (ECC) security response with immediacy.
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, 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. A comprehensive explosives detection sweep was conducted in accordance with all applicable aviation procedures, airport safety requirements and South African Police Service (SAPS) protocols.
Once all required checks had been completed, the incident was resolved and formally stood down at 10h58, allowing airport operations to continue.
The Business Continuity Plans were activated concurrently with the emergency procedures, whilst ensuring there was no further risk to lives.
ACSA thanks the Bomb Squad (SAPS), 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 remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment.
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