The last thing you'd want to hear when sitting on a flight is a re-route and an announcement about a possible bomb threat.
That was exactly what the passengers on Scoot flight TR16 experienced on October 12, 2023.
According to Scoot airline's statement to Mothership SG, the flight departed Singapore Changi Airport at 4.11 p.m..
"About an hour into the flight, a precautionary decision was made to turn the aircraft back to Singapore due to a bomb threat".
Live air tracker FlightTrader24 provided a mapping of the aircraft's route. The standard time of arrival (STA) was supposed to be 8.35 p.m. before the abrupt u-turn back to Singapore.
Based on the map, the aircraft was close to Indonesian airspace before the turning around.
The flight also made multiple rounds and loops off the Eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia before landing in Singapore at 6.27 p.m.
During the return flight, the aircraft was escorted by two of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s F-15SG fighter aircraft. The military aircraft made sure TR16 had safely landed before heading back.
Security checks were immediately carried out right after the Boeing plane landed at the airport.
The aftermath.
According to CNA, the police stated they were informed of the bomb threat on flight TR16 around 4.55 p.m. after the flight took off.
After a thorough security check, a 30-year-old Australian man was arrested for criminal intimidation.
"The police take security threats seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who intentionally cause public alarm."
In response to CNA's queries, Scoot said it was a "precautionary decision" to turn the plane back to Singapore due to the bomb threat.
"Scoot is assisting the authorities with their investigations. As this is a security matter, we regret that we are unable to provide further details," said the airline.
"Scoot sincerely apologizes for the disruption and inconvenience caused. The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority, and we will continue to provide assistance to our customers."
Hey there! Here's what others are currently reading:
Here Are 5 Reasons Why Koi Fish Is Still a ‘Thing’ for Many Asians
How Southeast Asian Nations Are Reacting To The Israel-Gaza War
You Can Win RM100,000 through Alliance Bank's Finger on App Challenge
Follow Mashable SEA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
