After Air India, IndiGo flight from Mumbai gets bomb threat, being inspected

Oct 14, 2024 12:52 PM IST

A bomb threat was recently received for an IndiGo flight departing from Mumbai to Muscat, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. According to an official statement from IndiGo, “The aircraft, as per protocol, was taken to an isolated bay, and mandatory security checks were promptly initiated following standard operating procedures." This incident occurred just minutes before the scheduled takeoff. IndiGo further reassured passengers by stating, "Customers were provided with assistance and refreshments, and we sincerely regret the inconvenience caused. "

The threat was reported mere hours after a similar security scare involving an Air India flight. This particular Air India flight was en route from Mumbai to New York when it was diverted to Delhi due to a bomb threat. The aircraft had 239 passengers on board, and all necessary precautions were immediately put into place. Authorities acted swiftly after a bomb threat message was reportedly received via social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The message, which targeted the New York-bound flight, was relayed to security agencies, resulting in the diversion of the flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

Once in Delhi, all passengers disembarked safely, and comprehensive security measures were undertaken. According to Delhi Police, all standard safety protocols were meticulously followed to ensure the well-being of everyone on board. The aircraft remains stationed at the airport as security agencies continue to remain on high alert, conducting thorough investigations into the matter.

### Rising Incidents of Bomb Threats

This surge in bomb threats directed at airlines and airports is becoming a concerning trend. While many of these threats ultimately prove to be hoaxes, they nevertheless cause significant disruptions and anxiety. On 5 October, for instance, Devi Achily Bai Holkar International Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was the target of a bomb threat sent via email. The sender of the message also issued threats against other airports across India, prompting swift action from security forces.

That same day, a bomb threat was also received at Vadodara Airport in Gujarat, which led to a rigorous security search. Fortunately, the threat was later confirmed to be a hoax. Despite this, airport authorities remain on high alert, and security protocols have been intensified to prevent any potential dangers.

These incidents have not only caused fear but have also led to significant delays and disruptions in air travel across the country. Security experts continue to investigate the sources of these threats while ensuring the safety of passengers remains the top priority.

### Air India Flight Diverted Due to Bomb Threat

The Air India flight that was diverted to Delhi after receiving a bomb threat had taken off from Mumbai at approximately 2 am. As soon as the threat was identified, the flight was immediately rerouted to Indira Gandhi International Airport, where it landed safely. Once on the ground, all passengers were safely disembarked, and security personnel began their meticulous checks of the aircraft.

In a statement, an Air India spokesperson confirmed, “Flight AI119 operating from Mumbai to JFK on 14 October received a specific security alert. Following the instructions of the government’s security regulatory committee, the flight was diverted to Delhi for safety measures.” The airline expressed its regret for the inconvenience caused to the passengers, adding that their priority is always the safety and security of those on board.

### Recent Air Incidents in India

The bomb threats follow another major incident involving an Air India Express flight, which experienced a technical malfunction during its journey from Tiruchirappalli to Sharjah. The aircraft encountered a mid-air glitch with its landing gear, prompting the pilots to take immediate action to prevent a disaster. After the fault was detected, the pilots made the decision to circle in the air for nearly two hours to burn off excess fuel before making a safe landing back at Tiruchirappalli Airport.

This decision was made as a precautionary measure, as the runway length at the airport required the aircraft to be lighter in order to land safely. Pilots on board the flight reported a hydraulic system issue, but their swift and professional actions prevented a potential accident. There were 141 passengers on board, all of whom landed safely thanks to the skill and quick thinking of the flight crew.

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin praised the pilots and crew for their commendable actions, thanking them for their efforts in ensuring the safety of the passengers. Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi also took to social media to express his gratitude to the crew for their calm professionalism during the tense situation.

An Air India Express spokesperson added that following the incident, a full investigation into the technical glitch would be carried out to prevent similar occurrences in the future. In the meantime, an alternative aircraft was arranged to ensure that the passengers could continue their journey without further disruption.

### Bomb Threats and Security Measures

In light of these recent incidents, both airlines and airports across India have tightened security measures to manage the growing threat of bomb scares. While many of these threats turn out to be false alarms, authorities are treating every situation with the utmost seriousness, ensuring that all standard operating procedures are followed to maintain safety.

It has become clear that bomb threats, whether hoaxes or real, create significant disruptions to both airline operations and passengers. Given the rapid increase in the frequency of such threats, security experts are calling for stricter monitoring and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of these threats in the future.

https://vdbaa.com/fullpage.php?section=General&pub=514948&ga=g Passengers are being advised to remain patient during such events, as the primary concern of both airlines and security agencies is the safety of everyone involved. Any inconvenience caused, while unfortunate, is necessary to ensure that potential threats are dealt with effectively and without risk to human life.

With multiple bomb threats being reported across various airports, India’s civil aviation sector is facing significant challenges in maintaining the delicate balance between providing efficient services and ensuring heightened security. It is crucial for both security agencies and airlines to stay vigilant and collaborate in order to address these threats and safeguard public safety.

The recent string of incidents, including the IndiGo bomb scare, the diversion of the Air India flight, and the technical glitch on the Tiruchirappalli flight, highlight the critical role that security and safety play in air travel. While passengers may experience disruptions and delays, these measures are essential to prevent potential tragedies.