RSAF scrambles F-15 fighter jets after Singapore-bound flight from India gets bomb threat

SINGAPORE : Two F-15 fighter jets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) were scrambled on the evening of Oct 15 after Air India Express received an e-mail that there was a bomb onboard one of its flights.

Flight AXB684 was heading for Singapore from southern Indian city Madurai.

In a Facebook post, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said: “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. Our Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were also activated.”

When it landed, the plane was handed to the airport police, he added. Investigations are ongoing.

“Many thanks to the dedication and professionalism of our Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team that keep us safe in our homes, even when threats exist around us.”

According to Flightradar24, the flight was circling for about an hour in the east of Singapore.It was scheduled to arrive in Changi Airport at 8.50pm but landed more than an hour later at 10.04pm.An Ayodhya-bound Air India Express flight on Oct 15 received a bomb threat via a phone call, reported The Times of India, adding that the flight later made an emergency landing.

Local media reported at least five Indian flights received bomb threats on Oct 15, prompting emergency checks, with at least two flights making emergency landing.

An Air India plane, flying from India’s capital, New Delhi, to Chicago, was forced to make an emergency landing in Canada. The airline said it was the subject of “a security threat posted online” and as a “precautionary measure” has landed at Iqaluit Airport in Canada, AFP reported.