Jet flight detained after man claims to have explosives

KOCHI: A Jet Airways flight bound for Mumbai was detained at Nedumbassery International Airport near Kochi on Tuesday evening after a passenger, who had boarded the flight, claimed to be in possession of explosives.

Joseph alias Fischer, who was disallowed to carry some gel items while boarding the flight, told the airhostess that he was in possession of some explosives, though his gel items were taken away by the groundstaff, airport sources said.

The pilot was informed of the matter and all the 91 passengers and their luggage were immediately off-loaded and a thorough inspection of the plane was carried out.

Joseph was taken away for questioning by security personnel.

Saji of Muvattupuzha, working as a male nurse in Uganda, was also taken into custody as Joseph came to Muvattupuzha as a guest of Saji, sources said.

The flight was scheduled to leave at 3.50 pm.