2 RSAF fighter jets scrambled after S'pore-bound Air India Express flight gets bomb threat

Two Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) jets were scrambled after a Singapore-bound Air India Express flight AXB684 received a bomb threat via email.

The two F-15SG jets "escorted the plane away from populated areas" before the plane landed safely at Singapore Changi Airport at around 10:04pm on Oct. 15, said Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen in a Facebook post.

The Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were also activated, added Ng.

"Once on the ground, the plane was handed to the airport police. Investigations are ongoing," read the post.

Ng concluded his post by thanking the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team for their "dedication and professionalism" in keeping Singapore safe, "even when threats exist around us".

Went on several loops before landing

According to Flight Aware, the Air India Express flight departed from the southern Indian city of Madurai at around 4:28pm (Singapore time).

After receiving the bomb threat, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft went on five loops over the sea before landing at Changi Airport.

As a result, the flight arrived approximately an hour and 20 minutes later than its scheduled arrival time.

Top images via Ng Eng Hen & Air India Express/Facebook