A British Airways flight from Bermuda to London had to be evacuated due to a bomb threat.
Passengers were forced off the 8.50pm local time flight at the island’s only international airport at around 9.30pm yesterday.
Police have since given the all-clear but the flight was cancelled.
A 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 e-mail.
‘Staff also advised that emergency landing protocols had been initiated at the airport.’
Causeway and Kindley Field Road near the airport about six miles northeast of Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital, was closed to traffic as police combed the building and its environs.
Pilots had squawked 7700 – air code for an emergency – with air traffic control (ATC) cancelling the flight’s takeoff clearance.
The Boeing 777-200ER plane entered the runway for takeoff 9pm before coming to a complete stop near Cave Island 40 minutes later, according to monitoring service FlightRadar24.
The police spokesman added: ‘Once the all-clear was given and the airport was declared safe, regular traffic flow was restored.
‘We wish to thank the public for their patience and co-operation during this emergency road closure.’
Passengers were all reported to be safe and well.
A British Airways spokeswoman added: ‘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 crew as we work to get them on their way as soon as possible.’
Regular air traffic was restored by 11pm.
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