A tense situation unfolded Sunday night at Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport when British Airways flight BA158, bound for London, was forced to evacuate due to a bomb threat. The incident, which occurred shortly before takeoff, saw passengers safely disembark the Boeing 777-200ER (Reg. G-VIIN) following a reported email threat received by airport authorities. Taking swift action, the flight crew, alerted to the threat, aborted takeoff, and requested an immediate evacuation. Following standard procedure, authorities responded quickly, dispatching police and emergency personnel to the scene.
British Airways Boeing 777 - flt BA158 / BAW18B ( SPEEDBIRD 18 BRAVO ) entered the runway for takeoff from Bremuda to London this evening and ATC canceled their takeoff clearance because they received a email stating there was a bomb onboard! 👀
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) May 6, 2024
Audio via @liveatc
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The surrounding areas, including the Causeway and Kindley Field Road, were shut down to ensure passenger safety and allow for a thorough search of the aircraft and airport buildings. Thankfully, the evacuation proceeded smoothly, with all passengers reported safe. Online video footage showed travelers gathered on the tarmac after disembarking the plane. Meanwhile, the airport remained closed while security conducted a comprehensive sweep.
The disruption caused a significant delay for passengers. The flight, originally scheduled to depart Bermuda at 8:50 pm ADT, was grounded overnight. British Airways, prioritizing the well-being of their customers, reportedly offered assistance and information on claiming compensation for unexpected expenses such as meals, accommodation, and transportation incurred due to the delay.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released details regarding the bomb threat or any potential suspects. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of such threats and the importance of robust security measures in place at airports worldwide. Authorities are likely continuing their investigation as they work to determine the source of the threat and ensure the safety of air travel. As of today, May 7, 2024, information on the status of the rescheduled flight and any updates from the investigation remain unavailable.