Security Alert: Hoax Bomb Threat Triggers Emergency Inspection at BIA
By Lions Roar News National Bureau
KATUNAYAKE, SRI LANKA (December 29, 2025) – A Qatar Airways flight arriving from Doha was the subject of a high-stakes security operation at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early Sunday morning, after a chilling email threat claimed four suicide bombers were on board.
Following a comprehensive search by the Air Force Bomb Disposal Unit and specialized sniffer dogs, senior police officials confirmed that the threat was a hoax, with no explosives or suspicious items discovered.
✈️ The Mid-Air Threat
Qatar Airways flight QR-664, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed Hamad International Airport in Doha with 245 passengers and 12 crew members (including two pilots).
According to senior police reports, while the aircraft was already airborne, a threatening email was sent to the BIA’s official electronic mail address. The message alleged that four individuals disguised as passengers were planning to detonate explosive devices and carry out a suicide mission inside the aircraft.
🛡️ Emergency Response at Katunayake
Airport authorities and the Pilot-in-Command were immediately alerted. While the pilot reported no suspicious activity within the cabin during the flight, security protocols remained at the highest level.
The Security Protocol:
- Emergency Landing: The aircraft was cleared for priority landing at approximately 8:27 AM (though some reports suggest the initial alert was handled around 1:44 AM).
- Isolation Bay: Upon touchdown, the plane was immediately taxied to an isolated parking bay in the “Naikanda” area, far from the main passenger terminals.
- Rapid Evacuation: All 257 individuals on board were safely disembarked under armed guard.
- Bomb Squad Search: The Air Force Bomb Disposal Squad and canine units conducted a room-by-room sweep of the cabin and a full scan of all checked luggage.
“The inspection was thorough. We leave nothing to chance when the safety of hundreds of lives is involved,” a senior police official stated. “After a complete search, the aircraft was declared safe.”
🔍 Investigation: Part of a Larger Pattern?
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and intelligence agencies have launched a probe to trace the origin of the email. Preliminary findings suggest the message originated from a foreign country.
Authorities are also investigating whether this incident is linked to a similar false bomb threat reported on December 26 regarding the Kandy District Secretariat. Both are now being treated as coordinated attempts to disrupt public security.
The aircraft was eventually cleared and departed for its return journey to Doha at 1:07 PM on Sunday.
