Man arrested after bomb scare on Emirates flight at Gatwick

Dubai: British police arrested a man in connection with a bomb hoax on an Emirates flight from Dubai to London Gatwick on Sunday.

The airline said "a note implying a security threat was found" on flight EK011 10 minutes before landing. The Boeing 777 aircraft carried 164 passengers and 16 crew.

It was searched by explosives experts upon landing and people onboard were questioned. "Local police have arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of involvement in this hoax," an Emirates spokesperson said.

The airline did not say whether the arrested man was a passenger.

Minor delays

The incident resulted in the airport's brief closure at about 7am local time. Police said the investigation was completed around 3pm. The airport reopened shortly afterwards, and although some flights were delayed there was no major disruption.

"For Emirates, the safety of its crew and passengers is of paramount importance," the spokesperson said.

This is the second time within days that an Emirates plane has become the subject of "unwelcome news" for the company.

On Friday, an Emirates plane had to return to Melbourne airport shortly after the pilot discovered the aircraft's tail could possibly have hit the runway during takeoff.

Do you know anyone who was on the flight? Let us know. Please include your mobile number or telephone number if you want Gulf News to get in touch with you.

These kinds of incidents on other airlines could have serious consequences, fortunately those passengers were with Emirates, that has great service and operationally is very solid and safe.
Javier
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 23, 2009, 17:58

Emirates Airlines has always been way ahead of all airlines for its quality of service.
Sunil
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: March 23, 2009, 17:00

I have been working for the aviation industry since 1997 in countries from South and North America and this was not the first nor the last time these things happen. The reliability of aviation is on investigating and acting beforehand. Hiding or ignoring facts is the same as tapping the sun with a tennis racket. All big airlines in the world had gone through it at least once and staff is yearly trained to prevent mishappenings. Dubai is and has always been a safe place. We're all resposible for our safety and can cooperate by abiding to the aviation rules, attending to our baggage all times, not carrying things for people we don't know and informing about irregular facts noticed. We must realise these things happen and they happen in the world. In aviation the world is one and Emirates is leading it!
Fred
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 23, 2009, 15:22

My Partner works as cabin crew with Emirates airline and it is un-nerving to hear of these instances occuring. Although air transportation is the safest way to travel, you always have to worry about those 'what ifs'.
Chris
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 23, 2009, 13:20

This is can happen to any other popular airline. Emirates has always been one of the most luxurious airlines almost world wide, there is no need to initiate a big deal over the unfortunate scenario. At least the situation was controlled and handled better than most airlines, resulting with nothing more than just hoaxes. I still feel that Emirates airline is the most secure airline for my money and safety.
Mousa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 23, 2009, 13:14

It?s shocking I love emirates airline its just the best for all reasons no matter what the reputation of this airline is way ahead and hopefully will always be. I don?t prefer any other airline than Emirates. It's sad to hear such news but this is a part of life and I am sure it will get extra secure now.
Hassan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 23, 2009, 12:35

I have been staying in UAE for more than eight years, such panic news rarely happens, I have found it the most secured country in the world, in regards to bomb hoax, the securities and experts should be confident and ignore such threat to avoid any panic situation among the passengers.
Hyder Mohsin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 23, 2009, 12:27

Its so unfortunate that Emirates Airlines had to go through this 'unwelcomed news'. I always prefered to travel by Emirates because of its reputation and high standards. I hope it comes out clean. Though am a bit shaken by the news that such things could happen.
Eunice
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 23, 2009, 08:12