Korean Air jet evacuated after live bullet found just before take-off

A Korean Air jet was evacuated after a passenger reportedly found a live bullet under a seat moments before take-off.

The Airbus A330 was due to travel from Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Manila Aquino Airport (MNL) at 7:45am (local time) on Friday, March 10, 2023, but was delayed when all 200 passengers had to be evacuated.

According to Korea Times, airport police were notified shortly after 8am that a passenger had found a live 9mm round in the cabin.

The aircraft, which was already preparing to take-off, returned to the terminal so the passengers and all 12 members of the crew could disembark.

A military explosive disposal team, plus antiterrorist specialists, searched the plane before giving the all-clear.

“We are looking into how the bullets got into the plane,” a police officer told Reuters.

The flight eventually departed for Manilla at 11:29am and arrived at the destination at 2:21pm.

In South Korea there are strict rules around firearms. Gun possession is illegal, and even if the owner has a license for sporting and hunting, the weapon must be kept at a police station.