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Saudi Airlines jet isolated in Philippines, pilot advised aircraft is 'under threat' – reports Saudi Arabian Airlines jet 'isolated' in Philippines due to false hijacking alarm
(35 minutes later)
A Saudi Airlines jet has been isolated at Manila airport in the Philippines, after the pilot was advised that the plane was under threat, Reuters reports citing communications from the control tower. A false hijacking alarm caused a Saudi Arabian Airlines plane to be isolated at an airport in Manila, Philippines, according to an airline spokesman. The incident, which is now over, took place after the pilot said the aircraft was under threat.
Metropolitan Manila's police chief is heading to the airport, stating there is a “situation” there, local radio reports. The plane, identified as SVA 872, landed at Manila airport at 3pm local time. It arrived from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to the local ABS-CBN channel, there were possibly around 300 passengers on board.
The Philippine civil aviation chief has confirmed the plane was isolated, but provided no further details. A statement from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said it received news of the aircraft being under threat about 20 miles prior to landing.
The plane, identified as SVA 872, landed at Manila airport at 3pm local time. It arrived from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to local ABS-CBN channel, there may be around 300 passengers onboard. Some local reports on Twitter initially suggested the plane was been hijacked. Others said the pilot could have pushed the alert button by mistake.
Some local reports on Twitter suggest the plane may have been hijacked. Other reports say the pilot could have pushed the alert button by mistake. Following the reports, Metropolitan Manila's police chief went to the airport, stating there was a “situation” there, according to local radio.
The plane is currently positioned at a secluded portion of runway 6, ABS-CBN News reported. The MIAA was also sent to the site, along with staff from the PNP Aviation Security Group.
A statement from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said it received news of the aircraft being under threat about 20 miles prior to landing. The MIAA is now on site, along with staff from the PNP Aviation Security Group. The plane was taken to a secluded portion of runway 6, ABS-CBN News reported.
However, the plane's crew informed the airport upon landing that the distress call made during the flight was a mistake, according to the airport's general manager. Saudi Arabian Airlines also said the alarm was false.
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