S’pore scrambles F-15 fighter jets after bomb threat on Air India Express flight
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) scrambled two F-15 fighter jets this evening (15 October) after Air India Express received a bomb threat.
Announcing this on Facebook, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the airline received an email informing it of a bomb on board flight AXB684 that was bound for Singapore.
“Two of our RSAF’s F-15SGs scrambled and escorted the plane away from populated areas, to finally land safely at Singapore Changi Airport at around 10.04pm tonight,” he said.
Source: Ng Eng Hen on Facebook
“Our Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were also activated.”
RSAF scrambles jets, flight lands safely
Upon landing, the plane was handed to the Airport Police and investigations are ongoing.
“Many thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our SAF and Home Team that keep us safe in our homes, even when threats exist around us” said Dr Ng.
According to Flightradar24, the flight departed the city of Madurai at 1.54pm local time, and was scheduled to arrive in Singapore at 8.50pm.
Source: Flightradar24
It circled for more than an hour before landing at 10.04pm.
Source: Flightradar24.com
Many commenters on Dr Ng’s post said they had heard the sound of the jets overhead and wondered what had happened.
“I was wondering why the fighter jets were flying at that time of the night over Serangoon. They sounded like they were in a hurry,” one said.
They also thanked RSAF for keeping Singapore’ skies safe.
Earlier today, an Air India plane bound for Chicago made an abrupt emergency landing in Canada after a false bomb threat, according to The Guardian.
Also read: RSAF Commemorates 55 Years With Open House, Sit In Fighter Jets & Try Out Simulators
RSAF Commemorates 55 Years With Open House, Sit In Fighter Jets & Try Out Simulators
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Featured image adapted from Flightradar24.com and Ng Eng Hen on Facebook.
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