A BRITISH Airways pilot dramatically aborted take-off on the runway after his packed jet was the subject of a chilling bomb threat.
Chaotic scenes unfolded as bosses urgently forced the cockpit crew to remain grounded just seconds before ‘wheels up’.
The Boeing 777-200ER service from Bermuda to London was dramatically abandoned as passengers were strapped in their seats.
The Captain had squawked 7700 – air code for an emergency – with air traffic control cancelling the plane’s final take-off clearance.
Flight BA158 was abandoned with flyers immediately ushered outside onto the tarmac, as police and anti-terror cops immediately combed the plane.
The plane was seconds from departure for Heathrow airport on Sunday evening when Bermuda airport authorities received an email warning the specific BA flight had been targeted.
Lift-off was cancelled amid fears that a bomb had been smuggled onto the UK-bound jet.
Bermuda authorities closed off roads within a six mile perimeter of the international airport as panic ensued.
A source told The Sun: “No-one was taking any chances. BA’s own jet was the subject of a targeted bomb threat, according to the email received by authorities. There was nothing bosses could do but abort take-off.
“Passengers were in shock but relieved that protocol was followed.”
BA’s 8.50pm departure had been running slightly late but was on the runway and waiting for take-off when airport officials received the bomb threat at 9.30pm.
Stunned flyers were told there was no chance of take-off – although two minutes later they would have been airborne.
In further agony for the startled passengers, there were no empty hotel rooms in Bermuda due to a sailing grand prix – so some had to sleep on airport floors ahead of another planned flight to London today.
The crew and pilots had gone ‘out of hours’ due to the bomb threat delay – meaning they were unable to fly again later on Sunday evening after emergency services issued an all clear.
British Airways told The Sun yesterday “The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our highest priority and we followed our standard procedures to disembark the aircraft.
“Our teams are caring for our customers and supporting the crew as we work to get them on their way as soon as possible.”
A Bermuda Airport spokesman said: “Shortly before 9.30pm on Sunday, May 5, 2024, police were notified by staff at the LF Wade International Airport of a bomb threat that was received via email.
“Staff also advised that emergency landing protocols had been initiated at the airport.”
