Suspect accused of false bomb threat prohibited from flying to or from Portuguese airports
A suspect was taken into custody on Saturday in connection with a false bomb threat on SATA Azores Airlines flight S4 504. The aircraft, which was en route from Ponta Delgada to Bilbao, Spain, was forced to make an emergency landing in Lisbon due to the threat[1].
The Judiciary Police (PJ) confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect will be brought before the court and coercive measures will be applied[2][3]. The individual is being held for allegedly causing the incident[1].
The bomb threat did not result in any confirmed incident or damage during the flight[1]. Following a thorough inspection of the aircraft and baggage, the competent authorities concluded their investigations and authorized the aircraft to resume operations[1][4].
SATA Azores Airlines revealed that the two passengers linked to the incident did not complete their journey[5]. The airline was contacted by Lusa on Saturday for a statement[6].
According to the airline, the bomb threat was not validated by the competent authorities[5]. The Lisbon-Bilbao flight was subsequently rescheduled for that evening following the authorization of the aircraft to resume operations[7].
The Judiciary Police (PJ) provided a statement to Lusa on Saturday regarding the arrest of the suspect[8]. The first interrogation of the detained suspect is scheduled to take place[9].
The suspect has also been banned from domestic airports after appearing in court[1]. No further information about the other detained passenger was provided in the statement[2].
[1] - Lusa News Agency [2] - Judiciary Police (PJ) statement to Lusa [3] - Lusa News Agency (second source) [4] - Lusa News Agency [5] - SATA Azores Airlines statement to Lusa [6] - Lusa News Agency (contacted SATA Azores Airlines) [7] - Lusa News Agency [8] - Judiciary Police (PJ) statement to Lusa [9] - Lusa News Agency (statement from the PJ)
- Despite the alarming bomb threat causing an emergency landing at Lisbon airport, the peers of the suspect taken into custody will discuss his lifestyle and travel history during the first interrogation, as he has been banned from domestic airports following the court hearing.
- Amidst the general news of the arrest and false bomb threat on SATA Azores Airlines flight S4 504, the crime-and-justice sector is closely monitoring the progression of the case, particularly the individual's alleged role in causing the incident, while the airline industry is focusing on resuming normal operations and maintaining public confidence in air travel.
