KUGOMPO (EAST LONDON) – Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that the security incident involving a reported bomb threat at King Phalo International Airport on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, was successfully resolved, with all passengers and crew members safe.
The confirmation follows yesterday’s bomb scare involving FlySafair flight FA388, which prompted an emergency response involving airport security, police and specialised bomb disposal personnel.
In an official statement, ACSA confirmed that the situation had been successfully de-escalated and that airport operations were able to continue once all necessary security checks had been completed.
According to the airport operator, Passenger Services received a telephone call at 07:59 reporting a bomb threat involving the flight.
The relevant terminal supervisor and airport security were immediately notified, resulting in the activation of established emergency security protocols.
ACSA operational teams, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Fire Chief, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Bomb Squad and other relevant authorities coordinated the response through the airport’s Emergency Control Centre.
By the time the aircraft landed, emergency personnel, vehicles and the Bomb Squad had already been positioned in a designated isolation area away from the main airport terminal.
At 09:38, the pilot authorised passengers to disembark, after which a comprehensive explosives detection sweep was conducted in accordance with aviation safety requirements and SAPS protocols.
ACSA confirmed that all required security checks were completed and the emergency response was officially stood down at 10:58, allowing airport operations to continue.
The airport operator also activated its business continuity plans alongside the emergency procedures to ensure that operations could continue safely.
ACSA Acting Chief Executive Officer Charles Shilowa reassured travellers that the situation had been successfully managed.
“I wish to assure all travellers and users of our ACSA airports that the situation was successfully handled by all relevant authorities; all passengers and crew are safe,” Shilowa said.
ACSA thanked the SAPS Bomb Squad, municipal and provincial security teams, FlySafair, airport partners and its security and operational personnel for their coordinated response.
The company also expressed appreciation to passengers, employees and members of the public for their patience and cooperation during the incident.
Following the incident, ACSA urged travellers and airport users to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, unattended items or security concerns to airport personnel.
Members of the public were advised not to investigate suspicious objects themselves, but to follow instructions from airport security officials.
While ACSA has confirmed that the security incident was resolved, its statement did not provide details regarding the origin of the threatening call or whether any arrests had been made.
Source: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), official media statement dated 21 October 2026.
