Plane hijacking reports false alarm: SA Airlink
SA Airlink says the aircraft - an Avro RJ operating as flight SA8678 - emitted an abnormal hijack alert through its transponder.
In a statement, spokesperson Karin Murray said authorities have held the aircraft at Wonderboom Airport as a precautionary measure while they verify that everything is in order.
Muller says the passengers and crew are safe. She says they will assist the investigating authorities with their inquiry.
They've also launched an internal investigation into the technical glitch.
We confirm that hijack alert for SA8678 on 11 July 2016 from CT to Wonderboom appears to be an anomaly. 72 passengers & 4 crew members safe.
— Airlink (@Fly_Airlink) July 11, 2016
Seems the SA Airlink flight has a problem on the taxiway but police are present !! pic.twitter.com/3nrtOPneWo
— Craig Nieuwenhuizen (@Craig_news) July 11, 2016
@Fly_Airlink stationary at holding point RWY 29 #Wonderboom #FAWB pic.twitter.com/iSMu4McEgb
— Walter Nöthling (@WALTERnothling) July 11, 2016