Shooting threat forces Vietnam Airlines jet landing

The decision was made as the flag carrier’s office in Japan received a phone call at around 11:10 am local time Wednesday from a man speaking Japanese who claimed to be an American.

“Flight VN5311 better turn back to Narita or it will be shot down when passing Tokyo Bay,” the anonymous caller said. When the call receiver asked the man to repeat the message, he said: “I am preparing to shoot VN5311 when it flies above Tokyo Bay. It better turn around.”

Flight VN5311 departed Narita for Hanoi at 10:30 am local time with 12 attendants, three pilots and 47 passengers. By the time of the phone call the jet has been on the air for 40 minutes and was preparing to pass Tokyo Bay.