Overview
- Operations at Natal’s Aluízio Alves International Airport were suspended for about an hour on October 18 after a reported onboard bomb threat.
- The aircraft returned to the airport, passengers were evacuated, and federal agents conducted a detailed inspection that detected no explosives.
- Police arrested the passenger who made the claim and charged him under laws protecting air-transport safety, with authorities withholding his identity.
- The incident involved an Azul-operated flight, though reports differ on the specific flight number and route as official details are consolidated.
- At least two inbound flights diverted to João Pessoa during the closure, and the airport is open and functioning normally as of October 19.