UPDATE
Panic in the Skies: Bomb Threat Disrupts Glasgow-Bound Flight
Panic gripped passengers aboard an EasyJet flight en route from London to Glasgow on Sunday morning, July 27, after a man began yelling threats and falsely claimed to have a bomb onboard. The incident led to the immediate arrest of the 41-year-old suspect, identified as Abhay Nayak, upon landing in Glasgow.
The disturbance occurred around 8:00 a.m., when the flight, operating as EZY609 from London’s Luton Airport, was nearing its destination in Glasgow. According to passengers and officials, Nayak emerged from the lavatory and began shouting “Allahu Akbar!” and “I’m going to bomb the plane! Death to America! Death to Trump!”
Witnesses say the man appeared agitated and aggressive, prompting alarm among fellow passengers. Several passengers quickly restrained Nayak and alerted the flight crew. Authorities were immediately contacted as the aircraft continued its final approach to Glasgow Airport.
Upon landing, police boarded the aircraft and detained Nayak without further incident. Fortunately, no explosives were found, and authorities later confirmed that the man appeared to have acted alone.
In a statement, EasyJet emphasized their commitment to safety:
“Flight EZY609 from Luton to Glasgow this morning was met by police on arrival in Glasgow, where they boarded the aircraft and removed a passenger due to their behaviour onboard,” the airline said. “The safety and well-being of our customers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority.”
Scottish authorities later confirmed that Nayak made threats against U.S. President Donald Trump, who is currently visiting his golf course at Turnberry in Scotland. While no terrorism-related charges have been filed as of yet, the man faces serious legal consequences.
Nayak appeared in Paisley Sheriff Court on charges of assault and endangering the safety of an aircraft. He entered no plea during the hearing and was remanded into custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for the following Wednesday.
While no passengers were physically harmed during the incident, the psychological impact was significant. Several passengers described the scene as “terrifying” and “chaotic,” with some fearing the worst.
“It was just minutes before we were supposed to land,” one passenger told local media. “He came out of the toilet shouting all these things about bombs and death to America. People were screaming. It was absolutely terrifying.”
Authorities have reiterated that there is no ongoing threat to the public, and the event is being treated as an isolated incident. However, the timing of the threats—given President Trump’s presence in Scotland—has not gone unnoticed by investigators.
No explosives or hazardous materials were recovered from the plane or the suspect’s belongings. Security protocols were reviewed following the incident, and operations at Glasgow Airport returned to normal shortly afterward.
While terrorism charges have not been brought at this stage, legal experts suggest that more serious charges could follow depending on the ongoing investigation and evidence.
This incident is the latest in a string of in-flight disruptions in recent years, raising renewed concerns about airline security and passenger screening procedures. Although no harm was ultimately done, the event highlights the continued need for vigilance in the aviation industry.
As the investigation continues, passengers aboard Flight EZY609 are being offered counseling services by EasyJet to help cope with the traumatic experience.
For now, Abhay Nayak remains in custody, and all eyes will be on his next court appearance as more details emerge about what motivated the alarming incident that disrupted what should have been a routine flight to Glasgow.
