Eastern Cape King Phalo Airport False Bomb Alert – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape confirms that a bomb threat involving a commercial aircraft at King Phalo Airport on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, was investigated and found to be a false alarm.

The KuGompo Explosives Unit received a complaint of a bomb threat at the airport. Upon arrival, Bomb Disposal members were briefed by airport security.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that a reported bomb threat involving FlySafair flight FA388 was successfully de-escalated at King Phalo Airport in East London in the Eastern Cape.

The relevant terminal supervisor and airport security were notified, prompting the activation of established security protocols.

It was found to be a false bomb threat.

“I wish to assure all travellers and users of our ACSA airports that the situation was successfully handled by all relevant authorities and that all passengers and crew are safe,” ACSA Acting CEO Charles Shilowa said in a statement.

Call Made To Passenger Desk Iformation

According to information received, a call was made to the passenger information desk alleging that there was a bomb on the aircraft. The call was made from an unknown number. The airport subsequently informed SAPS who found it to be a false bomb threat.

A multidisciplinary response was activated, including Bomb Disposal, K9 Explosive Detection Dogs, airport security, a hostage negotiator, the fire department and Emergency Medical Services. All passengers, pilots and cabin crew safely disembarked from the aircraft.

A systematic search of the aircraft and luggage was conducted. No explosives, explosive devices, suspicious objects or hazardous materials were found. The scene was declared all clear and handed back to airport security.

ACSA operational teams, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Fire Chief, the bomb squad, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities immediately coordinated the security response through the Emergency Control Centre (ECC).

“By the time the aircraft landed, all emergency protocols had been activated. The necessary personnel, emergency vehicles and bomb squad were positioned in the designated isolation area, away from the terminal, 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 SAPS protocols,” ACSA explained.

Once all required checks had been completed, the incident was resolved and formally stood down at 10:58, allowing airport operations to continue.

Business continuity plans were activated alongside the emergency procedures, ensuring that there was no further risk to lives.

“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.

“Members of the public should not investigate suspicious items. Instead, they 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.” – SAnews.gov.za

A case of contravention of Section 27(1A)(a) of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956, has been registered. Investigations are ongoing to trace the caller who reported the false bomb threat.

Criminal Offence

SAPS reminds the public that making a false bomb threat is a serious criminal offence, carrying a potential sentence of up to ten years’ imprisonment.

The public is urged not to speculate and to allow security agencies to conduct their work without interference. No further details can be shared at this stage to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Immediate Law Enforcement Response

• Mandatory Action: Police, bomb squads, K9 units, and fire departments must treat every threat as 100% real until proven otherwise because lives are at stake. 
• Disruption and Evacuation: Buildings, schools, or public spaces are immediately locked down or evacuated, completely halting daily operations and causing widespread panic. FBIJobs (.gov) +2
• Resource Wasting: Emergency personnel are diverted away from genuine life-and-death crises, creating massive financial and societal costs for taxpayers. 

Source and References

Also read: South Africa Crime Stats Q1 2026: 5 Critical Trends

South Africa Crime Stats Q1 2026 show a mixed picture for public safety, with murders declining compared with the same period last year but attempted murder and assault increasing. The South African Police Service released the first-quarter crime statistics for the 2026/27 financial year on Friday, 28 August 2026.

https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/acsa-confirms-bomb-threat-incident-king-phalo-airport
https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/ms.php?page=1

South African Police Service