A passenger claimed discovered a live bullet under a seat just before takeoff, prompting the evacuation of a Korean Air aircraft.
On March 10, 2023, the Airbus A330 was scheduled to depart from Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and arrive at Manila Aquino Airport (MNL) at 7:45 a.m. local time. However, the evacuation of all 200 passengers caused a delay.
The airport police were informed that a passenger had discovered a live 9mm round in the cabin shortly after 8am, according to Korea Times.
The plane, which was almost ready to take off, came back to the terminal so that the 12 crew members and passengers could get off.
Before providing the all-clear, a military bomb disposal squad and antiterrorist experts searched the aircraft.
“We are looking into how the bullets got into the plane,” a police officer told Reuters.
In the end, the flight departed for Manilla at 11:29 and landed there at 2:21.
There are severe regulations governing weapons in South Korea. Owning a gun is against the law, and even if the owner possesses a hunting or sporting license, the weapon must be stored at a police station.
