UPDATES THROUGHOUT
By Roy Ramos
ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines (AA) – 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 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 confirming 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.
