MUMBAI- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) flight AI119 from Mumbai (BOM) to New York (JFK) was diverted to Delhi (DEL) on Monday following a bomb threat received via X (formerly Twitter) by Mumbai airport.
The diversion occurred after security agencies were informed of the potential threat.
Air India Bomb Threat
Delhi Police confirmed the aircraft’s arrival at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, where standard safety protocols are being implemented to ensure passenger and crew safety. Security agencies remain on high alert as they investigate the situation.
A senior police officer at Delhi airport urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, promising further updates as they become available.
An Air India spokesperson stated that the diversion was executed on instructions from the government’s security regulatory committee. All passengers have disembarked and are currently at the Delhi airport terminal.
The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and security, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the unexpected disruption.
This incident follows a recent pattern of bomb threats targeting airports, many of which have proven false. On October 5, both Indore’s Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport and Vadodara Airport received bomb threat emails, resulting in FIRs and thorough searches.
Authorities are actively investigating the current threat, and security measures have been enhanced across affected airports.
The flight AI119 was operated by Boeing 777-300ER, registered as VT-AER. It was earlier operated by Etihad Airways (EY) and is an 11-year-old aircraft powered by GE90 engines.
Similar Incidents
Well, yesterday, IndiGo Airlines (6E) Coimbatore (CJB) to Chennai (MAA) flight 6E848 received a hoax threat.
The flight, carrying 169 passengers including a minister and a high court judge, was delayed after a threatening letter was discovered.
CISF personnel conducted thorough security checks of the aircraft and passengers before clearing the flight for departure around 6 PM. Further, the Peelamedu police received a complaint from airline authorities regarding the incident.
Similarly, an Air India flight AI471 from New Delhi (DEL) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ) received a bomb threat on September 3, 2024. Visakhapatnam Airport Director S Raja Reddy confirmed the threat was a hoax after a thorough inspection.
There has been a sudden rise of such hoax bomb threats and such calls or notes disrupt the operations. Please don’t make such fake calls and spread false messages as this will have serious consequences.
Further, the Indian government and DGCA should make strict rules and serious punishment for offenders so they think twice before making such hoax threats.
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