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WATCH: Saudia pilot triggers false alarm in Philippines

Image via Twitter

Manila - The plane landed in Manila airport following a false alarm about a hijacking incident, an airline spokesman said.

By Reuters/AFP

Published: Tue 20 Sep 2016, 12:57 PM

Last updated: Wed 21 Sep 2016, 1:37 AM

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, authorities said.
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.

False alarm for hijacking SV flight#872 #JEDDAH to #MANILA
— SAUDIA | ???????? (@Saudi_Airlines) September 20, 2016

Passengers were forced to remain on the plane for about two hours, but were let off about 5:00 pm (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.
In Saudi Arabia, an airline spokesman also said that there was no security threat.
“False alarm for hijack for Flight 872,” the spokesman said.
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.

Whyyy? @Saudi_Airlines
@ Manila pic.twitter.com/NESOb637GG
— Kapitan Pogi (@CedyOng) September 20, 2016

She said authorities had implemented standard security operating procedures.
The carrier is known as Saudia.

Saudi Airlines jet isolated at Manila Airport after the pilot advised the control tower the plane was "under threat" https://t.co/wzV5pHD8Vg
- Sky News (@SkyNews) September 20, 2016