1.671188-1280653448
Image Credit: Gulf News

Muscat: A Jet Airways passenger plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Muscat International Airport in the early hours of Friday following a bomb hoax.

An Indian passenger, on board the Boeing 737-800 flight from Kuwait to Mumbai, told cabin crew there was a bomb on board.

"The plane was over Omani airspace and the pilot made an emergency landing at the Muscat International Airport,” Riyaz Kuttery, Jet Airways Country Manager, told Gulf News on Saturday.

The plane was checked thoroughly by security guards as soon as it landed. All 152 passengers were taken off and held until the plane was cleared,” explained Kuttery, adding
that the airline provided the passengers with refreshments while they waited. "The passengers understood the situation and fully cooperated with the authorities.”

The Indian expatriate from Kuwait, responsible for the bomb scare, was taken into custody by the Royal Oman Police, who have yet to reveal his identity.

Jet Airways declined to comment about the passenger. However, sources have revealed he was under undue stress.

It is thought his mental condition could have been unsound. He's now likely to be referred to the public prosecution in Oman.