King Phalo Airport bomb threat: EFF MP on board plane ahead of Malema Eastern Cape campaign

King Phalo Airport in KuGompo City secured a FlySafair jet on Wednesday morning after an anonymous caller threatened a bomb on board. Police held the aircraft following the report, allowing all 184 passengers to disembark safely. The incident triggered a large-scale security response involving bomb disposal experts and canine units. Investigations into the origin of the threat remain active. The disruption began when airport passenger services received a phone call at 07:59 from an individual using a private number. The caller alleged that a device was present on the incoming flight. Authorities immediately notified the terminal supervisor and airport security, activating established safety protocols. The plane, identified as Flight FA388, originated in Johannesburg. Despite the alert, the aircraft completed its approach and touched down at 08:49. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the jet remained grounded as part of standard procedure. A multidisciplinary team rushed to the tarmac. This group included the Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 explosive-detection dogs, hostage negotiators, disaster management officials, airport security personnel, and emergency medical services. Gantana stated that the scene was under control and that investigators were working to trace the source of the call. She urged the public to avoid speculation while security agencies performed their duties. Among those waiting on the tarmac was EFF Member of Parliament Sixolisile Gxilishe. She traveled to the Eastern Cape ahead of a campaign visit by party leader Julius Malema. Malema was not on the specific flight and his arrival status in the province remained unclear at the time of the incident. Gxilishe described the process as a waste of time for business travelers. She noted that officials instructed passengers to leave their luggage inside the aircraft during the initial check. She expressed no fear regarding the threat itself. Another female passenger, speaking anonymously, recalled the shock of hearing about the security issue just before landing. She observed numerous officers surrounding the plane. Sniffer dogs were deployed near the fuselage. Although initially frightened, she said police reassured her to stay calm. The group waited approximately two hours for final security clearance. A police helicopter hovered over the site around 10:30 before departing an hour later. FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon addressed the media regarding the incident. He clarified that the carrier was alerted to a potential security risk involving Flight FA388. The airline reported 182 passengers and six crew members on board, a slight discrepancy with the police figure of 184 total individuals. Gordon emphasized that the flight operated normally until landing. The company cooperated fully with authorities. He praised the crew and ground staff for handling the situation calmly according to safety standards. No subsequent flights were cancelled due to the event. Airports Company South Africa acted swiftly to resolve the crisis. Acting Chief Executive Officer Charles Shilowa announced in the afternoon that the threat had been successfully de-escalated. At 09:38, the pilot authorized passengers to exit the plane. A comprehensive explosives detection sweep followed, adhering to aviation procedures and local safety requirements. Shilowa assured travelers that all persons involved were safe. The airport returned to normal operations as the investigation continued.