(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR300 bound for Hong Kong was temporarily grounded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) over what was reported initially as a bomb threat.
The incident happened while the Airbus A321neo was taxiing for a 7:50 a.m. departure at NAIA Terminal 1 when several passengers reacted to a loud sound from the cargo compartment, including one who shouted in fear, prompting the cabin crew to immediately alert the pilot.
PAL management clarified that the aborted takeoff was triggered by the panicked passenger's reaction and was not due to a bomb threat.
The PNP Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) and explosive ordnance disposal units enacted emergency bomb safety protocols.
All passengers were instructed to disembark, and their baggage offloaded onto the safe ground.
Bomb disposal personnel then conducted thorough safety sweeps of the aircraft, luggage, and individuals before declaring the flight safe
