A passenger was removed from a plane over a bomb hoax as the aircraft prepared for take-off in Indonesia.

Lion Air flight JT-308 was about to depart Soekarno-Hatta Airport en route to Kualanamu when the incident occurred on Saturday, August 2.

Reports said the passenger, identified only as HR, 42, claimed to be carrying an explosive device, prompting the pilot to cancel the flight. The Boeing 737 was carrying at least 184 travellers at the time.

The passenger allegedly shouted: 'There's a bomb. Call all your soldiers!'

He then stood up, removed his hat, and entered the restroom while arguing with flight officers.

His actions alarmed other passengers, some of whom demanded his immediate removal for safety.

One traveller was heard saying: 'Just secure him, sir. We're not safe, just get him off.'

Several police officers were deployed to remove HR from the aircraft.

Danang Mandala Prihantoro, Strategic Corporate Communications of Lion Air, said: 'The statement was made after the aircraft door was closed, so it was immediately categorised as Return to Apron (RTA) or the procedure to return the plane to the apron for security checks.'

Senior Commissioner Ronald Sipayung, Chief of Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police, confirmed the passenger was detained following the incident.

Authorities inspected HR's luggage on board and confirmed that no explosives or dangerous items were found.

Sipayung added that HR is currently under observation at a mental health facility. Preliminary findings revealed that he had previously undergone treatment for mental health issues.

He said: 'HR is currently under observation at the hospital. The doctor has recommended a 14-day observation period.'

Lion Air arranged a replacement aircraft, and the flight eventually departed the same day.