Da Nang-Hanoi flight delayed for over two hours due to hoax gun threat

The flight was scheduled to depart at 7:25 p.m., according to the Central Airports Authority.

However, when the plane was about to take off, one passenger asked his companion "where’re the guns?" and he answered he had kept them in his luggage.

Immediately, the captain decided to delay the flight to verify their statements and check security issues.

Both passengers were taken off the plane by Da Nang airport security officers and all passengers and carry-on luggage were re-checked for security.

At 9 p.m. the same day, the search process for the aircraft, passengers, and luggage ended, but security agencies did not detect dangerous items or banned explosives.

After a 2.5-hour delay, the flight continued its journey from Da Nang to Hanoi.

Aviation authorities said the passengers came from the northern province of Thai Binh.

They were not allowed to board the flight to Hanoi.

Aviation authorities are considering punishing them.

People who spread rumors or provide false information about the presence of guns, bullets, bombs, mines, explosives, radioactive substances, biological or chemical weapons on flights may be fined from VND20 million to 40 million per person.

Depending on the level of danger and damage caused, they could also be prosecuted for obstructing air traffic.