False bomb scare in Malta caused flight delays

MaltaAir
MaltaAir
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Written by Linda Hohnholz

AT Malta International Airport today delays averaging around 1-2 hours on most flights are evident, following a bomb scare earlier this afternoon.

AT Malta International Airport today delays averaging around 1-2 hours on most flights are evident, following a bomb scare earlier this afternoon.

MIA was temporarily evacuated after traces of explosives were found in diving equipment on luggage bound for Manchester, according to reports received by The Malta Independent.

The entire airport was on lockdown and both the arrivals and departures halls were evacuated. The evacuees were moved outside to the parking lot while arriving passengers were not allowed to disembark.

Operations at the airport have now been resumed after the item in question was destroyed, but it will take some hours for the MIA to recuperate the lost time. Passengers on incoming flights have now started to leave their aircraft.

The AFMโ€™s Bomb Disposal Unit has also arrived on the scene.

Suspicious substance found in bag

Today’s evacuation was triggered after airport security flagged a checked-in baggage containing diving equipment that was found to have traces of a suspicious substance, Malta Airport said in a statement.

“The bomb disposal unit have now cleared the item in question and Malta International Airport will be resuming operations shortly. Once again we apologise for any inconvenience caused. Safety and security demand that such actions are taken in these circumstances.”

Police Report

A police report read that the Airport Authority flagged a bag which was going to be sent on a plane to England and police assistance was requested.

The bag was found to contain diving equipment and not explosives, thus ending the need for alarm.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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