A Vietnamese passenger who joked about having a bomb in his carry-on luggage after landing at Noi Bai International Airport was fined nearly USD 160 for the remark.

On June 24, the Northern Airports Authority announced an administrative fine of 4 million VND (approximately USD 157) imposed on a Vietnamese man for making a bomb-related joke.

The incident occurred around 12:25 p.m. on June 22, aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH752 from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi. As passengers were disembarking at Noi Bai Airport, passenger N.C.H. (born 1987) reportedly told a flight attendant that his black carry-on box contained a "bomb."

When a crew member, speaking in English, inquired about the black rectangular box the passenger was carrying, he replied with the word “bomb.”

The crew immediately alerted airport security. Upon disembarkation, the man was detained by border police at Noi Bai International Airport for questioning.

The case was handled jointly by border police, airport security, local police at Noi Bai, the airport authority, Malaysia Airlines representatives, and the ground services company VIAGS.

The passenger later admitted that he made the comment in jest, citing a lack of awareness of the seriousness of such jokes.

A thorough inspection of the passenger, his carry-on, and checked luggage revealed that the black, rectangular 40cm x 15cm x 15cm box in question contained only a computer keyboard and a mouse. No suspicious or prohibited items were found.

On June 23, based on Vietnamese aviation regulations, the Northern Airports Authority issued a formal decision to fine the passenger 4 million VND.

Never joke about bombs, weapons, or terrorism

According to the emergency response team at Noi Bai Airport, this case was somewhat less disruptive because the joke was made after the flight had landed. “If the same joke had been made before departure, the process would have been far more complicated,” a representative explained. “It could have led to flight delays, full passenger and baggage re-screening, and disrupted airport operations.”

Airport authorities strongly remind passengers never to joke about bombs, weapons, or terrorism.

Such remarks activate emergency procedures involving the flight crew, airport security, border police, and other emergency units - who must treat the situation as real until proven otherwise.

This not only disrupts flight schedules and incurs significant costs, but can also cause panic among other passengers and compromise airport security. Beyond fines, violators may be held liable for any damages caused.

Authorities advise passengers to fully cooperate during security checks and avoid bringing or carrying items that resemble weapons or explosives. Family members, especially children, should also be warned against making such jokes.

“Security is the top priority in aviation. A single careless joke can disrupt hundreds of people’s travel and result in serious consequences - including fines, time wasted, travel restrictions, or even a flight ban,” a Noi Bai representative warned.

N. Huyen