A Vietnamese man was fined VND4 million (RM647) after he made a bomb joke to Malaysia Airlines staff at Noi Bai International Airport recently.
The incident took place after the passenger disembarked from Malaysia Airlines flight MH752 from Kuala Lumpur last Sunday (June 22).
Made bomb joke while disembarking
As passengers were leaving the aircraft, a flight attendant asked the man what he was carrying inside a black case. In response, he said, “Bomb.”
As such, the airport’s full security protocol was immediately triggered and crew members alerted the authorities. The passenger was then escorted off the aircraft and detained for questioning by the Immigration Department.
A joint team comprising of border police, aviation security, airport police, staff from the Noi Bai International Airport Emergency Command Centre and representatives of Malaysia Airlines and VIAGS (Vietnam Airport Ground Services Company Limited) conducted a full inspection of the man and his belongings.
The black case was later found to contain only a computer keyboard and mouse. No dangerous or prohibited items were discovered.
Passenger apologises, gets fined
Despite the absence of an actual threat, the Northern Airports Authority fined the man VND4 million (approx. RM647) for causing public alarm.
The passenger later apologized to the authorities, acknowledging that the joke was made out of ignorance and poor judgment.
Officials warn about serious consequences
According to VN Express, an emergency operations officer stated that the situation could have been far more disruptive if the remark had been made before takeoff.
Had it occurred during boarding, security checks would have been suspended, delaying the flight and affecting terminal operations.
Following the incident, Noi Bai International Airport issued a public statement on Facebook, emphasising that jokes about bombs, explosives, or weapons are strictly prohibited at airports and on the aircraft.
The statement also noted that such comments can trigger emergency measures, cause panic among passengers, and lead to unnecessary delays.
Passengers were urged to cooperate fully with aviation staff and educate family members, especially children, on the seriousness of such remarks.
“Anyone who violates these rules will be held fully accountable for the consequences,” the airport stressed.
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