Perth-bound flight returns to Singapore after bomb threat

By AFP October 12, 2023 | 04:41 pm PT

Scoot, Jetstar and Singapore Airlines planes sit on the tarmac at Singapore's Changi Airport, Singapore January 18, 2021. Photo by Reuters

A flight operated by budget carrier Scoot was escorted back to Singapore by fighter jets due to a bomb threat on Thursday, the airline said in a statement.

Scoot flight TR16 to Perth departed Singapore at 4:11 p.m. (0811 GMT).

But about one hour into the flight, "a precautionary decision was made to turn the aircraft back to Singapore due to a bomb threat," Scoot, the budget arm of Singapore Airlines, said in the statement.

"The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was activated to escort the aircraft back to Changi Airport. Emergency services were also activated," the airline added.

Scoot said the flight landed safely about two hours after takeoff, and security checks were carried out.

The airline said it was assisting authorities with investigations but said it was unable to provide additional details as "this is a security matter."