A domestic AirAsia flight FD 4401 from Krabi International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Bangkok was delayed for more than four hours after a passenger jokingly claimed there was a bomb in his luggage, triggering a full security response.
The incident occurred at around 4.47pm on Sunday when a cabin crew member was arranging baggage in the overhead compartment and was allegedly warned by a passenger to be careful, saying there was a bomb inside his bag.
Krabi International Airport Director Thanisara Singakul said the passenger repeated the statement, insisting the bag contained an explosive device. The crew immediately alerted the pilot, who returned the aircraft to parking bay 14 and ordered all passengers to disembark.
Airport authorities then informed security teams, prompting the deployment of a bomb disposal unit from Krabi Police to thoroughly inspect the aircraft and all passengers’ luggage. The extensive search took several hours, but no suspicious items were found.
Following the investigation, police detained a 45-year-old man from Chonburi for questioning. He later admitted during interrogation that his remark was meant as a joke. He was taken to Nuen Khlong Police Station in Krabi for further investigation.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft was eventually cleared for departure at around 9pm, causing a delay of approximately four hours and 15 minutes from its scheduled flight time.
Officials also noted that the act may constitute an offence under Thailand’s Air Navigation Offences Act B.E. 2558 (2015), which carries penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM24,469.90, or both.
