Jetstar flight forced to make emergency landing after bomb threat

A Jetstar flight has been forced to make an emergency landing in central Japan after receiving a bomb threat, according to local media.

The aircraft was reportedly travelling from Narita airport near Tokyo to Fukuoka on Saturday morning, when it was forced to divert to the Chubu Airport in Aichi prefecture, public broadcaster NHK said.

The plane landed at 7.41am (local time), with footage on Twitter showing some of the 149 passengers onboard disembarking via emergency slides as shocked others walk across the tarmac.

According to NHK, Narita Airport received a call from a man who said in English: “I planted a bomb on Jetstar flight 501.” The caller then reportedly asked for the manager. A source told the publication the call seems to have come from Germany.

One person received minor injuries but did not require hospitalisation, local emergency services said.

Multiple flight departures and arrivals have been suspended at Chubu Airport as authorities investigate. So far, no explosive items have been discovered, NHK reports.

One of the passengers on the flight said on Twitter that police had issued a stand-by order. “Everyone will be waiting in the lobby. The people of Jetstar prepared warm drinks etc. and I am very grateful…” they wrote.

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Jetstar Japan confirms 'potential security threat'

A Jetstar Japan spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo News Australia that the plane made an emergency landing after “a potential security incident”.

“Out of an abundance of caution, passengers disembarked via emergency slides,” they said. “We know this would have been distressing for passengers and thank them for their cooperation.

“Our teams are supporting them and working to get them on their way as quickly as possible. Jetstar Japan is also working closely with Chubu Airport and local authorities to investigate the situation.”

Jetstar Airways has stakes in sister airlines Jetstar Asia Airways and Jetstar Japan, which is joint owned by Qantas, Japan Airlines and Tokyo Century Corporation.

With Reuters

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