Saudi Airlines Hijacking At Manila Airport A 'false Alarm'

Update: Saudi Arabian Airlines has confirmed the hijacking of flight SV872 was a 'false alarm', with the incident now resolved.

The Saudi national airline posted the confirmation on its official Twitter account.

The aircraft, with reportedly 300 passengers on board, was flying into Manila from Jeddah.

Following the alarm raised by the pilot, the aircraft was isolated.

According to reports, the pilot of a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight accidentally pressed an emergency alarm, creating a hijack scare and triggering a major security response at Manila airport on Tuesday.

Police and security personnel surrounded the Saudia flight from Jeddah after it landed on Tuesday afternoon following a report to the control tower that the plane was 'under threat', a Philippine aviation authority spokesman told AFP.

Passengers were forced to remain on the plane for about two hours, but were let off about 5pm (0900 GMT) after it was confirmed there was no threat.

"Situation is normal. It was alleged that the pilot pressed the emergency light of the aircraft unintentionally," Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters.

Manila airport spokesman Connie Bungag earlier released a statement saying the control tower received advice that the plane was 'under threat' as it was 32 kilometres (20 miles) from landing.

She said authorities had implemented standard security operating procedures.

Saudi Airlines plane isolated at Manila Airport, reportedly 'under threat'

Earlier story: A Saudi Airlines aircraft has been isolated at Manila Airport with the pilot reporting the plane was ‘under threat’.

The Philippine Civil Aviation Chief has confirmed a Saudi Airlines plane has been isolated, with no further reasons that are still unclear.

The Control Tower has reported the pilot advised the airport the plan was ‘under threat’.

RECENT NEWS

At Least 23 Dead In Thailand Floods, Bangkok Airport In Chaos

BANGKOK: The death toll from rains and flooding in Thailand has risen to 23, authorities said on Tuesday, as waters rec... Read more

A TV Journalist Is Set To Be Crowned As King Of A Traditional Monarchy In Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda: A journalist was on Tuesday set to be crowned as the king of a traditional monarchy that lost its onet... Read more

India Poll Chief Battles Calls To Resign Over Voter-list Claims

NEW DELHI: Opposition groups are demanding the resignation of India's election chief Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of ... Read more

Statement By United Arab Emirates At High-Level General Debate Of 81st Session Of UN General Assembly

New York: Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, affirmed in the UAE's statement at the High-Level General Debate... Read more

Trump Confirms Meeting With Anthropic Chief, Reiterates Opposition To Slowing AI Development

Washington/Chicago: US President Donald Trump confirmed that he plans to meet Anthropic Chief Executive Officer Dario A... Read more

Five Arrested Near UK Air Base Used In Iran Strikes Over Suspected Terrorism, Explosives Offences

Fairford, England: British police arrested five men on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences on Sunday near RA... Read more