Three international flights from Mumbai faced significant disruptions on October 14 due to fake security threats, prompting urgent action from aviation authorities. The incidents involved two flights operated by IndiGo and one by Air India, affecting a total of 258 passengers.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is actively monitoring the situation and working to verify the legitimacy of the threats. According to BCAS, all three planes involved received bomb threats, leading to immediate security checks and precautionary measures.
The first incident involved Air India flight AI119, which was scheduled to fly from Mumbai to New York’s JFK Airport. Early in the morning, the flight received a specific security alert and was promptly diverted to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and the aircraft was moved to an isolated runway, where a bomb squad and security agencies conducted thorough inspections.
“Flight AI119, operating from Mumbai to JFK, received a specific security alert and, following instructions from the government’s security regulatory committee, was diverted to Delhi. All passengers have disembarked and are at the Delhi airport terminal,” confirmed an Air India spokesperson. Authorities are investigating the nature of the threat, with Air India coordinating with security personnel for further action. As of now, no further updates have been provided by the airline.
Simultaneously, IndiGo flights 6E1275 and 6E56, bound for Muscat and Jeddah, respectively, were also impacted. Both flights received security threats, resulting in the immediate implementation of standard operating procedures by IndiGo. The affected aircraft were moved to isolated bays at Mumbai Airport for security checks. According to an IndiGo spokesperson, the Muscat-bound flight has since departed, while the Jeddah-bound flight awaits clearance.
“As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolated bay, and mandatory security checks were promptly initiated,” the spokesperson said. The airline reassured passengers that safety remains its top priority, and all necessary steps were being taken to ensure the security of both passengers and crew.
The situation has created anxiety among travelers, but authorities are working diligently to resolve the matter. The BCAS is expected to provide further updates as the investigation continues.
Sources By Agencies