Saudia flight isolated in Manila after 'false alarm'

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines

Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier said Tuesday afternoon that a “false alarm” led to a flight reportedly carrying Hajj pilgrims to be placed in isolation upon landing at an airport in the Philippines.

The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) had said in an earlier statement that a control tower relayed information that Saudia Flight SVA 872 was “under threat” 20 miles (32 kilometers) before landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer cited the statement as saying the aircraft was isolated for security protocol, with officials verifying reports of a hijacking of the flight reported to be carrying Muslim pilgrims.

“False alarm for hijacking SV flight#872,” Saudia posted on its official Twitter account later in the day.

Ed Monreal, Miaa general manager, told a televised press conference that the flight’s crew accidentally pressed the alarm button.

One of the passengers, Lavi Macabando, told news broadcaster ABS-CBN in a phone patch interview that conditions on the plane had been “normal” with the exception of a delay in disembarkation.