Singaporean Charged for Bomb Hoax on Flight

Azim Shah Abubakar Shah, a 22-year-old Singaporean, was charged with communicating false information after allegedly posting a hoax bomb threat on Instagram while aboard an Etihad Airways flight preparing to depart Changi Airport for Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2025. The message, seen by 16 people, led police to be alerted around 7.20pm, after which the taxiing aircraft was recalled to Terminal 2 and Azim was quickly arrested. No threat items were found in his possession. He faces up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to S$50,000 if convicted. The prosecution has offered to reduce the charge to one under the Protection From Harassment Act, but Azim has not yet entered a plea. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of such threats and their commitment to security.