Bomb Hoax Forces Hong Kong Flight to Return, Causing Major Delay

A Hong Kong Express Airways flight to Changzhou was forced to return to the gate and delayed for over three hours after a passenger falsely claimed the aircraft would explode, according to a report by Dafeng News.

The incident occurred on Wednesday while the aircraft, flight UO272, was taxiing for takeoff at Hong Kong International Airport.

Passengers reported that a woman shouted that the plane was going to explode and demanded to disembark. Online videos showed travelers gathering their belongings and queuing to exit after the plane returned to its parking stand.

The flight eventually departed at 8:30pm and landed safely in Changzhou around 11:45 pm.

Following the security scare, a number of passengers chose not to reboard.

"We were on the same flight. After getting off, 15 of us did not dare to get back on," one passenger said online.

Hong Kong Express confirmed on Thursday that it had followed standard safety procedures, which included disembarking all passengers for security screening and conducting a full aircraft inspection. The airline stated the plane was cleared for departure after meeting all safety requirements.

"The passenger involved was taken away by police at the scene," a social media user who posted video of the incident said.

The airline added it is arranging alternative travel options for passengers who chose not to continue their journey.