This article is from: srnnews.com
A Delta Air Lines flight from New York to Tel Aviv was evacuated after landing in Israel on Tuesday morning following a bomb threat that prompted authorities to move the aircraft to an isolated area and launch security checks.
All passengers were safely removed from the plane shortly after it landed. Security officials examined the aircraft and the surrounding area as authorities treated the threat as an emergency.
No unusual findings were detected during the security checks, and authorities later declared a return to routine.
There were indications during the response that the bomb threat could be a hoax. Authorities nevertheless maintained a high state of readiness following the attempted hijacking last month of a Flydubai flight.
Delta resumed service to Israel last month after suspending flights for more than six months following the outbreak of the war with Iran.
The airline operates direct flights between New York and Ben Gurion Airport.
The bomb threat follows an attempted hijacking last month of a Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after its Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the 29-year-old co-pilot had planned a suicide attack targeting Ben Gurion Airport and used two previous Tel Aviv flights to familiarize himself with the route.
He allegedly attacked the captain with an emergency axe before crew members and passengers restrained him.
The aircraft, carrying more than 170 passengers and crew, plunged more than 16,000 feet in about 30 seconds before other pilots regained control and landed safely.
UAE prosecutors classified the incident as a terrorist act and said the suspect confessed to acting alone.
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