Fighter jets escort SIA plane to Changi Airport after passenger claims he has bomb in bag

SINGAPORE - A 37-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly making a bomb threat on board a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from San Francisco that landed in Singapore early on Wednesday morning.

The Straits Times understands that the man arrested is a foreign national.

SQ33, which left San Francisco at 10.26pm on Monday, was escorted by Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) fighter jets, which landed at the Changi Airport at about 5.50am on Wednesday, according to the police, who were informed of the alleged bomb threat at about 2.40am on Wednesday.

The aircraft was then taxied to a remote area of the airport for security checks, according to a Singapore Airlines spokesman. The passenger was also handed over to the airport police. After the security checks were completed, the aircraft was towed to Changi Airport Terminal 3.

"Preliminary investigations indicate that a 37-year-old male passenger had allegedly claimed that there was a bomb in a hand-carry bag, and had assaulted the crew," the police said.

"He was restrained by the crew, and subsequently arrested by the police under Regulation 8(1) of the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Regulations and for suspected consumption of controlled drugs. Police investigations are ongoing."

Visibly tired passengers from that flight appeared at the terminal at about 9.20am and were ushered away from their original belt to another place to collect their luggage.

"Singapore Airlines apologises to all affected customers for the inconvenience caused by this incident. We are assisting our customers with the rebooking for any onward connections that they may have missed," said the airline's spokesman.

Under Regulation 8(1) of the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Regulations, it is an offence for a person to make false claims that a terrorist act has been, is being or will be carried out.

Those found guilty can be punished with a fine not exceeding $500,000 or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both.

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This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.