Vancouver Bomb Threat: Al Qaeda Terror Link or Pure Hoax?

(Video: Associated Press • Story: Christian Science Monitor)



A Vancouver bomb threat on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong caused Canadian officials to send fighter jets to escort the plane to the airport Saturday.

Following a bomb threat on a Cathay Pacific flight en route to Vancouver from Hong Kong, Canadian officials sent fighter jets to escort the plane to the airport. Once grounded at the Vancouver International Airport police conducted a thorough search of the plane and its luggage, but found no trace of explosives.

The Vancouver bomb threat comes as yet another scare in a series of foiled or failed terror attacks.

Following the attempted Times Square bombing and the failed Christmas day bombing on a Detroit-bound flight, it remains uncertain if this latest attempt will result in increased security measures.

The plane landed safely on Saturday with 283 passengers and 14 crew members in good condition. Once on the ground, the passengers spent 2 hours in customs before leaving without their baggage.

Cathay Pacific has termed the bomb scare a "hoax," but officials are still looking into the matter. Read more here.