SINGAPORE — A 22-year-old man, Azim Shah Abubakar Shah, has been charged for allegedly making a bomb hoax while aboard a flight preparing to depart from Changi Airport. The incident has raised serious concerns about airline safety and security protocols.
The Incident
On 14 February 2025, just as the Etihad Airways flight was about to take off around 6.55pm, Azim posted an Instagram story stating, “no one here knows I’m going to blow the plane up.” This reckless comment was viewed by sixteen individuals before the police were alerted at approximately 7.20pm.
Swift Police Action
- The Singapore Police Force (SPF) quickly identified Azim through follow-up investigations.
- Within an hour of the post, officers from the Airport Police Division confirmed his presence on the flight bound for Abu Dhabi.
- The aircraft was recalled to Changi Airport Terminal 2, allowing the authorities to detain Azim before takeoff.
Legal Repercussions
Azim is charged with communicating false information regarding a harmful object under Section 268A of the Penal Code. If found guilty, he could face:
- Imprisonment for up to seven years
- A fine of up to S$50,000 (approximately US$39,000)
- Or both
While no physical threats or harmful items were found in his possession, the gravity of such threats poses a significant risk to public safety.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the serious implications associated with threats on public transportation. Let’s hope everyone takes this lesson to heart and remembers: making jokes about bombs, even online, can lead to very real consequences.