/ 22 March 2007

Mango passenger arrested for bomb claim

A passenger on a Mango airline flight was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Thursday for allegedly telling a flight attendant he was in possession of an explosive device, the company said.

The incident caused the flight to Durban to be delayed by 18 minutes on Thursday morning, Mango spokesperson Hein Kaiser said.

”As the passenger boarded the JE 322, he falsely informed a flight attendant he was carrying an explosive device.”

Police could not find any hazardous material when they searched the man’s luggage, he said.

”Making such threats is a serious offence and Mango will not entertain irresponsible people who attempt to disrupt its flight operations and the comfort and safety of our guests.”

Gauteng police could not immediately confirm the incident. — Sapa