A major scare unfolded at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) on Sunday, May 5th, when a British Airways Boeing 777-200ER was forced to abandon its takeoff due to a bomb threat.

The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 PM local time, as the aircraft, registered as G-VIIN, was already on the runway preparing for departure to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Following the threat, authorities initiated emergency protocols, leading to the evacuation of all passengers on board.

Bermuda Police Service confirmed the incident through a Facebook post, stating that the situation was ongoing and passengers were safely disembarked. Videos circulating on social media showed passengers gathered near the grounded aircraft, with a Royal Air Force (RAF) Boeing C-17 Globemaster III also present at the scene.

Flightradar24 data revealed that the aircraft had to turn away from the runway and come to a stop. The flight, originally scheduled to depart Bermuda at 8:50 PM local time (UTC -3), was ultimately cancelled.

Authorities closed both the Causeway and Kindley Field Road near the airport to facilitate a thorough security sweep. Thankfully, the Bermuda Police Service later declared the airport safe, and normal traffic flow resumed around 11 PM.

While the nature of the bomb threat and the individual responsible remain unknown, British Airways has confirmed that the safety of their passengers and crew remains their top priority, and they are working to re-accommodate those affected by the disruption.