A British Airways flight bound for Heathrow Airport was forced to abort take-off after a terrifying bomb threat.
The plane, which was due to take off from Bermuda Airport, was not given clearance to depart after the Captain of the Boeing 770-200ER squawked 7700, indicating an emergency.
Police and counter-terrorism officers rushed to the runway where flight BA158 was left abandoned. Authorities were on scene just minutes after Bermuda Airport bosses received an email warning that a bomb was on board the plane. All roads within six miles of the airport were closed as a result.
The flight was due to take off at 8.50pm but was running 42 minutes late. Officials received the threat at 9.30pm, just two minutes before expected departure.
The incident meant tourists were forced to sleep on the floor at the international airport, as a sailing grand prix meant there were no available hotel rooms on the island. Meanwhile, both pilots and crew members had worked their full capacity of hours due to the delay - which meant they could not fly again, even after police issued an all-clear.
A source told The Sun: “No-one was taking any chances. BA’s own jet was the subject of a targeted bomb threat, according to the email received by authorities. There was nothing bosses could do but abort take-off. Passengers were in shock but relieved that protocol was followed.”
A spokesperson for British Airways said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our highest priority and we followed our standard procedures to disembark the aircraft. Our teams are caring for our customers and supporting the crew as we work to get them on their way as soon as possible.”
A Bermuda Airport spokesman added: “Shortly before 9.30pm on Sunday, May 5, 2024, police were notified by staff at the LF Wade International Airport of a bomb threat that was received via email. Staff also advised that emergency landing protocols had been initiated at the airport.”