A KLM flight from Malaga to Amsterdam was delayed for several hours because a passenger used a Wifi hotspot with the name “Allahu Akbar: there is a bomb on board.”
The aircraft was evacuated and searched thoroughly on the ground in Malaga just before it was due to take off at 8.30pm on Saturday.
Nothing suspicious was found on board, but the delay meant the flight touched down at Schiphol at 3am, three and a half hours later than planned.
KLM said it always acted on bomb threats, however trivial they may seem. “We always take such statements extremely seriously and have taken suitable security measures in close co-operation with local authorities,” the airline said.
“The safety of our passengers and crew members is paramount.”
The airline did not disclose who was responsible for the Wifi name or whether any action would be taken against them. Making hoax bomb threats is a crime that can be punished by up to four years in jail or a fine of more than €25,000. Passengers are also likely to be banned from flying again.
