KLM flight evacuated after suspicious Wi-Fi hotspot name sparks bomb scare

A Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by KLM (PH-HSE) was evacuated on Saturday after a passenger allegedly created a personal Wi-Fi hotspot with the name: “Allahu Akbar – there is a bomb on board.” The flight KL1548 was scheduled to depart from Málaga for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, but was unable to leave following the security alert.

According to reports, the hotspot name prompted the airline to immediately notify Spanish security authorities, triggering a large-scale response. All passengers were instructed to leave the aircraft while security teams carried out a full inspection of the plane. No suspicious items or explosives were found during the search.

In a statement to Dutch regional broadcaster NH, KLM said it had acted in accordance with established safety procedures.

“We always take such reports extremely seriously and implemented the appropriate safety measures in close cooperation with the local authorities. The safety of our passengers and crew members always comes first,” the airline said.

It remains unclear who was responsible for the hotspot name, and authorities have not yet announced whether any legal action will be taken against the individual involved.

The incident caused significant delays to the flight, although the aircraft was eventually cleared to depart safely for Amsterdam later that day.