Corporate Communications Strategic of Lion Air, Danang Mandala Prihantoro, in an official statement received in Tangerang on Sunday, explained that the emergency threat was caused by one of the airline’s passengers.
"While the aircraft had already pushed back, a male passenger, identified by the initial H, informed the cabin crew of a bomb on board," he said.
The flight, operated by a Boeing 737-9 with registration PK-LRH, was carrying 184 passengers. All pre-departure procedures were conducted normally until the aircraft completed its pushback (reversing from the parking position) and was preparing to proceed to the taxiway.
However, Danang continued, in accordance with aviation safety procedures, the cabin crew verified the reported bomb threat made by the passenger. "The information was immediately reported to the captain and ground handling personnel," he added.
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He stated that since the announcement was made after the aircraft doors were closed, the incident was categorized as a Return to Apron (RTA) procedure, which involves returning the aircraft to the apron for security inspection.
As part of the safety measures, the aircraft executed the RTA procedure. The passenger who made the bomb threat, identified as H, was disembarked and handed over to the relevant authorities.
The authorities involved included airport security officers, the Airport Authority, Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS), and the police for further investigation and legal processing in accordance with applicable laws.
"This was done to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew, in line with the established aviation safety and security standards," he said.
All passengers, along with their baggage and belongings, were disembarked and re-screened by airport security officers. "The inspection confirmed that no suspicious or dangerous items were found," he added.
A replacement aircraft, a Boeing 737-900ER with registration PK-LSW, was prepared on the same day. "Flight JT-308 was subsequently re-departed on the same day (August 2) and safely landed at Kualanamu International Airport," he said.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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