• An unknown caller using a private number said a bomb was on the aircraft, which landed at King Phalo Airport on 21 October.

• The aircraft is being held while a bomb disposal unit, explosive-detection dogs and hostage negotiators are on scene. All 184 passengers are safe.

An aircraft carrying 184 passengers landed at King Phalo Airport in KuGompo City, formerly East London, on Wednesday, 21 October, after a reported bomb threat, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape said.

Eastern Cape Police Spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said police received a call from an unknown caller using a private number, who said there was a bomb on the aircraft.

All 184 passengers got off safely.

The aircraft is being held as part of standard security protocols. A multi-disciplinary response team is on the scene. It includes the Bomb Disposal Unit, explosive-detection dogs, hostage negotiators, disaster management, airport security and emergency medical services.

The scene is being managed by the relevant authorities. Investigations into the origin of the threat are continuing.

“The public is advised not to speculate and to allow security agencies to conduct their work without interference,” Gantana said.

No further information was available at the time of writing. SAPS said it will issue further updates as the situation develops.