The Australian, according to 9News, was charged after making a bomb threat on board. The passenger plane, bound for Perth, was forced to return to Singapore accompanied by fighter jets.
Budget airline Scoot flight TR16 took off from Changi Airport in Singapore and headed to the Western Australian capital. About 40 minutes after takeoff, a bomb threat was allegedly made. Australian Kevin Francis Hawkins, 30, reportedly told a crew member he had a bomb and then repeated it several times.
“A signal has been received that there is a bomb on board our aircraft,” the captain told passengers, adding: “Please do not worry, we believe this is a false report.”
Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen announced on his Facebook account that two F-15SG fighter jets had been sent into the air to escort Scoot’s flight back to Changi Airport.
According to foreign media, Hawkins was detained immediately after landing and is being held at the Singapore Institute of Mental Health. The court will hear his case on October 27. The Australian faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to S$500,000.