KUGOMPO CITY – The King Phalo Airport is still operational with flights scheduled for today still going on as planned, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape confirmed that an aircraft has landed at the airport following a reported bomb threat.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that a call was received from an unknown caller using a private number, alleging the presence of a bomb on the aircraft.

“The aircraft is currently being held as part of standard security protocols,” she said. “All 184 passengers on board have safely disembarked.”

Gantana added that a multi-disciplinary response team has been activated and is on scene.

“The teams consist of the Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 Explosive Detection Dogs, Hostage Negotiators, Disaster Management, Airport Security and Emergency Medical Services,” she said.

Speaking to the King Phalo Airport information centre, they confirmed that the flight came from Johannesburg and that it landed on the airport’s runway.

“The airport is not closed. This is just an isolated incident. We are running security measures,” they said.

“There are flights departing and arriving, and we have not received any communication about the cancellation of any flights.”

Gantana added that the scene is being managed by the relevant authorities, and investigations into the origin of the threat are ongoing.

“No further information is available at this stage,” she said.

SAPS also urged the public not to speculate and to allow security agencies to conduct their work without interference.

“Further updates will be issued as the situation develops,” Gantana concluded.

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