Bomb Threats On Lion Air JT-308 Flights, Perpetrators Examined By Police

Capture the viral video screen of Lion Air passengers threatening bombs/ Photo: ISt

TANGERANG The Lion Air Group Management gave an explanation regarding the bomb threat incident that occurred on the JT-308 flight route Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport) to Kualanamu (Deli Serdang, North Sumatra) on Saturday (2/8). The threat is known to have come from the actions of one of the passengers and was immediately handled according to flight safety procedures.

Corporate Communications Strategic of Lion Air, Danang Mandala Prihantoro, explained that the incident began when the Boeing 737-9 aircraft with PK-LRH registration had completed the push back process (resigning from the parking position) and preparing to go to the taxiway. At that time, a male passenger with the initials H told the cabin crew that there was a bomb threat on the plane.

"The statement was made after the aircraft door was closed, so it was immediately categorized as Return to Apron (RTA) or the procedure to return the plane to the apron for security checks," explained Danang in a written statement, Sunday (3/8).

The pilot captain and ground service officers were immediately contacted by cabin crew to report the emergency situation. The plane then returned to the apron, and the handling process was carried out thoroughly.

Passengers with the initials H were immediately dispatched and handed over to airport security officers, the Airport Authority, PPNS, and the police to undergo further investigations and legal proceedings.

All other passengers, including 184 adult and child passengers, were also taken down. Their luggage and luggage were re-examined by security officers. The results of the examination showed no suspicious or dangerous objects were found.

As a further step, Lion Air prepared a replacement aircraft, namely the Boeing 737-900ER with registration PK-LSW, which departed on the same day.

"The JT-308 flight was finally dispatched again and has landed safely at Kualanamu International Airport," said Danang.

Lion Air emphasized that the handling was carried out to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of all passengers and crew, as well as part of the implementation of operational standards in the aviation industry.