Instagram Bomb Joke Disrupts Multiple Flights at Singapore's Changi Airport

In Singapore, a man has confessed in court to making a false bomb threat on social media that sparked significant airport security interventions at Changi Airport, resulting in substantial delays for several international flights. This incident underscores the serious repercussions of aviation-related false threats.

Rykes Tan Zhi Kai, a 20-year-old, admitted to providing misleading information regarding a dangerous act. The situation escalated from an Instagram Story he shared in June 2025, featuring a photo of himself next to a Scoot airplane, accompanied by a comment implying he would bomb the flight. Authorities later concluded that he intended the remark as humor.

After the post went live, police received an anonymous tip-off. Due to the potential security risks, airport officials initiated precautionary measures, focusing on all Scoot Boeing Dreamliner flights ready to leave in that timeframe.

Consequently, three international flights were subjected to comprehensive security screenings before they could depart. This led to delays for services heading to Tianjin, Qingdao, and Athens, hampering travel plans for hundreds and complicating airline operations.

It was discovered that Tan had already boarded a different Scoot flight to Taipei when authorities were alerted. He was arrested several days later upon returning to Singapore. Officials stressed that all threats related to aviation are taken very seriously, regardless of the intent.

During the court session, it emerged that the consequences of the delays caused financial losses for the airline and necessitated the allocation of extra security resources. Tan eventually reimbursed the airline for the incident's financial effects, although legal action against him is ongoing.

Prosecutors maintained that a stringent deterrent is crucial since airports are vital national infrastructure and present public safety risks. The court has mandated assessments for the defendant's suitability for probation and reformative training prior to determining an appropriate sentence. Under Singapore's legal framework, the offence could result in up to seven years in prison, hefty fines, or both.