The bomb alert at Larnaca Airport ended on Friday after extensive security checks were carried out on an aircraft scheduled to fly to Rome.
Passengers are now expected to reboard the aircraft before it departs for its destination.
Threat received by fax
The alert was triggered by a fax claiming that a bomb had been placed inside a piece of luggage on the aircraft.
Transport, Communications and Works Minister Evantia Tsolaki said the message had been sent not only to the Department of Civil Aviation, but also to other government services and the police. She noted that all recipients received the same message.
The airport’s crisis response plan was subsequently activated, with the Crisis Management Committee handling the situation.
Around 190 passengers evacuated
The aircraft was grounded and approximately 190 passengers were evacuated while extensive inspections were conducted.
Police said the reported threat made it necessary to prevent the aircraft from departing while the information was assessed and investigated. All established protocols were activated and the competent services carried out the necessary procedures.
The security operation has now been completed and passenger boarding is expected to resume.
Source: CNA
