Passengers aboard an EasyJet flight from London Luton to Glasgow faced moments of sheer panic on Sunday morning when a man reportedly shouted bomb threats and violent political slogans, prompting an emergency response and mid-air drama rarely seen on domestic routes.
“I’ve Got a Bomb!”: The Incident Unfolds
The flight—EZY 609—was about an hour into its journey on 27 July when a man emerged from the aircraft’s rear toilet and began screaming “I’ve got a bomb!” Witnesses said the man, later identified as 41-year-old Abhay Nayak from Luton, repeatedly shouted “Allahu Akbar”, “Death to America”, and “Death to Trump”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of fear and confusion as the cabin fell silent before erupting into screams. “It was surreal. One minute people were sipping coffee, the next they were crouching down in fear,” said one passenger seated near the commotion.
Swift Passenger Action
The situation quickly escalated, but was just as swiftly de-escalated thanks to the quick thinking of fellow passengers. One man tackled Nayak to the ground, assisted by others, while flight attendants secured the area and conducted a search of his belongings.
No weapons or explosives were found on board, and no one was injured.
Cabin crew, particularly a female member seen climbing over seats to help access the suspect’s bag, have been praised for their professionalism and bravery.
Emergency Landing and Arrest
The pilot declared an emergency and diverted the Airbus A319 to Glasgow Airport, where the plane was guided to a remote part of the tarmac. Armed officers boarded and arrested Nayak at around 8:20 am. Passengers were held on the aircraft for questioning before being escorted off.
A statement from Police Scotland confirmed the arrest and said the incident was being treated as isolated, with “no indication of further threat or accomplices”.
Who Is Abhay Nayak?
Nayak, of Indian origin and a resident of Luton, has been charged with assault and endangering the safety of an aircraft under the UK’s Air Navigation Order. He appeared in Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday but did not enter a plea. He remains in custody and is scheduled to reappear for a further hearing in early August.
While Scotland’s counter-terrorism unit has reviewed video footage and interviewed passengers, no terrorism charges have been filed.
A Political Message?
Multiple sources have reported that Nayak claimed his actions were “a message to Donald Trump”, who happened to be staying at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland at the time. Though no formal link to Trump’s visit has been established, the political overtones of Nayak’s outburst have drawn wide media attention.
Airline Response
EasyJet issued a statement shortly after the incident, thanking passengers and crew: “The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. We commend the professionalism of our staff and the calm response of those onboard.”
What Comes Next?
With Nayak in custody and legal proceedings underway, authorities are continuing to review the case. The airline has said it is cooperating fully with investigators.
Passengers have since resumed their journeys, some visibly shaken but thankful for the safe outcome.
In Brief
| Flight | EZY 609 (Luton to Glasgow) |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Sunday 27 July 2025 |
| Suspect | Abhay Nayak, 41, from Luton |
| Charges | Assault, endangering aircraft safety |
| Court Appearance | Paisley Sheriff Court (plea pending) |
| Emergency Response | Flight diverted, suspect arrested |
| Airline Reaction | Praised crew, ensured passenger safety |
Hi, I’m Sarah Jade. I’m 25, Yorkshire born stubborn redhead, and just finding my feet in the wild world of independent journalism.I’ve always had this fire in me for telling real stories, the kind that actually mean something. I love the British spirit, the blunt honesty, the humour, and yes… I do get emotional about free speech and the truth. I’m not perfect, but I care deeply about people, fairness, and saying what others might be too scared to.