Bomb jokes not funny at airports, warn police

Even an innocent remark about a bomb at an airport can cause police to launch a comprehensive security intervention, said Police Corps Spokesperson Denisa Baloghová on Sunday. Police are warning the public not to let the holiday euphoria make them utter jokes about bombs, grenades or an assassination at the airport. "Any announcement by a passenger of bomb possession or that there is a bomb at the airport, is considered as a security threat", explained Baloghová. "In such cases, the airport procedures are immediately halted, including the check-in and security checks of passengers, and it's likely to cause flight delays", added Bratislava Airport Spokesperson Veronika Ševčíková. The Police Corps and Bratislava Airport recommend passengers refrain from any catchphrases associated with bombs, citing examples such "Bratislava airport is the bomb!" as being cause for concern. "Such and similar statements can be regarded as spreading false alarm or as acts of unlawful interference with civil aviation", warned Baloghová, with instigators potentially facing fines of up to €3,300.