Qatar Airways has reported that a 25-year-old Spanish passenger flying with her parents from Doha to London has been arrested by Syrian authorities in connection with a security hoax.
The Spanish woman, who was enroute to London from Kathmandu via Doha, reportedly told two British passengers on flight QR001 that an explosive device was on board the aircraft. The British passengers informed cabin crew and the A330-200 aircraft immediately diverted safely to Damascus.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al-Baker stated that Syrian authorities did not find any explosive device aboard the flight after a thorough investigation. The Syrian Minister of Interior reports that the Spanish woman has been arrested and that she is mentally ill.
In a separate incident, a cleaner found a note on flight QR514 while in Cairo, which advised that the A320 aircraft should be searched. Egyptian authorities searched the aircraft and found nothing unusual. The flight has since returned to Doha safely. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
