AUDIO OF MOMENT BA PILOT IS WARNED OF BOMB THREAT JUST BEFORE TAKEOFF
Chilling audio has emerged of the moment a British Airways captain was told to cancel takeoff because of a bomb threat that forced passengers aboard the flight from Bermuda to Britain to evacuate on Sunday.
The flight was supposed to leave from the island in the Atlantic to return to London on Sunday night, but air traffic controllers frantically radioed the pilots moments before takeoff.
'Cancel takeoff clearance, cancel takeoff clearance... We received some information regarding a bomb threat,' the controller said.
'Okay, cancel takeoff clearance... would you like us to leave the runway?' the captain responded, before hurriedly asking for further information.
After a few moments of silence the controller instructs the pilots to hold position as traffic to the airport was locked down, before police officers and a security team were deployed to search the aircraft and the airport.
Passengers meanwhile were rushed off the flight while the teams combed the aircraft and the premises.
The flight was eventually given the all clear to fly out and regular traffic flow in and out of the airport was restored by 11pm.
Explaining the security operation, a spokesman for the Bermuda Police Service said officers were sent to close the Causeway and Kindley Field Road outside the airport while the airport building and its environs were searched by airport security.
'Police were notified by staff at the LF Wade International Airport of a bomb threat that was received via e-mail,' he said.
'Staff also advised that emergency landing protocols had been initiated at the airport.'
He added: 'Once the all-clear was given and the airport was declared safe, regular traffic flow was restored.
'We wish to thank the public for their patience and co-operation during this emergency road closure.'
Passengers were all reported to be safe and well and the facility was later 'declared safe'.
A spokeswoman for British Airways added: '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 crew as we work to get them on their way as soon as possible.'
Read more 2024-05-08T08:22:18Z dg43tfdfdgfd