A flight from Islamabad to Karachi faced a significant delay on Tuesday after two passengers made a bomb-related joke, prompting immediate security measures. The private airline’s plane was halted before takeoff, and all passengers were offloaded for thorough security checks. According to the Airport Security Force (ASF), the suspects, two friends, claimed their comment was intended as a joke. However, the airline and security officials treated the remark as a potential threat, following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Security Sweep Clears Flight
The ASF, along with a bomb disposal squad, conducted a meticulous inspection of the plane, including the luggage area. After confirming there was no actual threat, the flight was cleared for departure. Despite the clearance, the incident caused a delay of three-and-a-half hours, leaving passengers frustrated. A spokesperson for the private airline confirmed that the aircraft would be used for its next flight following full security assurance.
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Friends Taken into Custody
The suspects were taken into custody by the ASF for further investigation. Initial reports indicated that one of them received a call from a friend warning about a bomb, which they repeated as a joke to a flight attendant. The authorities are investigating whether there was any truth to the claims or if the suspects acted recklessly.
Similar Incidents Highlight Serious Consequences
This incident is not an isolated case. In a comparable situation, an 18-year-old British passenger joked about “blowing up the plane” on Snapchat while flying to Menorca. His message was intercepted by UK security services, prompting Spain to dispatch fighter jets to escort the aircraft. The passenger was detained for two days and faced a potential fine of $24,500.
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Authorities worldwide treat bomb threats and jokes on planes with utmost seriousness. These incidents disrupt operations, cause significant delays, and often result in legal action against the perpetrators. A spokesperson from the Pakistan Airport Authority reassured passengers that overall airport operations remained unaffected, despite such disruptions.