Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) can confirm that the South African Police Service (SAPS) Bomb Squad was deployed to Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) earlier this evening after the crew of a departing flight was alerted to a possible security threat aboard the aircraft.

The security threat on FlySafair FA102 due to depart for O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), was managed by the SAPS and relevant law enforcement agencies. ACSA can confirm that airport and airline management was at the scene to ensure full compliance with all aviation safety and security protocols required by law.

Passengers and crew have safely disembarked, and a thorough sweep of the aircraft is underway. The safety and security of all involved remains a top priority, with measures being taken to mitigate any risks associated with the threat.

“The safety and security of the passengers and crew are of utmost importance. All passengers and crew have safely disembarked the flight. The SAPS together with the Aviation Security (AVSEC) team has ensured that all the necessary measures are in place to mitigate any risks associated with this threat,” said Mark Maclean, ACSA Regional General Manager, Cluster 2.

“We would like to praise the airline for their prompt response to what was a serious security concern, and we also laud the combined efforts of the SAPS and AVSEC in upholding the safety and security of passengers and cabin crew.”

ACSA will provide further updates as the situation progresses.

ACSA kindly requests that affected families of passengers contact the airline for further information or any media-related queries.