On October 12, 2023, a Scoot flight bound for Perth was escorted back to Singapore due to a bomb threat. The incident led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Australian man who was charged with criminal intimidation. The flight, TR16, took off from Singapore at 4.11pm. About an hour into the flight, a "precautionary decision" was made to turn the aircraft back to Singapore due to a bomb threat. The plane landed safely at Changi Airport at about 6.26 p.m.
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The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) activated two of its F-15SG fighter jets in response to the "suspected bomb threat". These jets escorted the Scoot flight back to Changi Airport. Upon landing, security checks were carried out and the Australian man was arrested. The police stated that they take security threats seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who intentionally cause public alarm.
Scoot, the budget arm of Singapore Airlines, expressed regret over the incident and assured that they are assisting the authorities with their investigations. They emphasized that the safety of their customers and crew is their top priority.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation security. It highlights the readiness and efficiency of the RSAF in responding to such threats. It also underscores the commitment of airlines like Scoot in prioritizing passenger safety above all else.
