Singapore Scrambles Fighter Jets After Bomb Threat on Air India Express Flight

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deployed F-15SG fighter jets on Tuesday night in response to a bomb threat concerning an Air India Express flight. According to Channel News Asia (CNA), the airline received an email indicating a bomb was aboard flight AXB684, which was en route to Singapore.

In a series of updates on social media platform X, Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen confirmed that two F-15SG jets were scrambled to escort the aircraft away from populated areas, allowing it to land safely at Singapore Changi Airport around 10:04 PM local time.

Ng stated, “Air India Express received an email that there was a bomb on board flight AXB684 bound for Singapore. Our RSAF F-15SGs escorted the plane to ensure a safe landing.”

He also noted that ground-based air defense systems and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams were activated. After the plane landed, it was handed over to Airport Police, and investigations are currently ongoing.

Expressing appreciation for the dedication of the Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team, Ng emphasized their role in maintaining safety despite potential threats, stating, “Many thanks to the professionalism of our Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team that keep us safe.”

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) reported that they were alerted to the bomb threat at approximately 8:25 PM local time and confirmed that the plane landed safely under military escort. Following the landing, police conducted thorough security checks and found no suspicious items on board.

The SPF reiterated its commitment to addressing security threats seriously and emphasized that action would be taken against anyone intentionally causing public alarm. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates that Flight AXB684 took off from Madurai at around 1:54 PM, with an expected arrival in Singapore at approximately 8:50 PM.