A student in France has been accused of calling in a hoax bomb threat on an easyJet flight from Lyon to Rennes in France in an attempt to keep his parents, who were on board the plane, from visiting him.

The 23-year-old student allegedly made the anonymous threat on January 18, following which the easyJet flight was forced to turn around and return to Lyon shortly after take-off. “EasyJet can confirm that Flight EZY4319 from Lyon to Rennes on 18 January returned to Lyon as a result of a security-related issue. The captain took the decision as a precaution only. The aircraft landed safely and was met by the fire brigade and the police in line with procedures. Passengers disembarked normally and were provided with information and refreshments,” a spokesperson for the airline said.

The student has been taken into custody after the police traced the call and discovered that it was a hoax. The 23-year-old could reportedly face up to 5 years in prison along with a fine of €75,000 (over Rs. 6 lakh) if prosecuted.