Air India Flight Diverted to Delhi Due to Bomb Threat: Passengers Safe Amid Security Concerns

Early Monday morning, an Air India flight (AI 119) traveling from Mumbai to New York faced an unexpected turn of events when it was diverted to Delhi due to a security concern related to a bomb threat. The situation unfolded as authorities reacted promptly to a threat received via a tweet on the social media platform X. Usha Rangnani, the DCP of IGI Airport, assured that all standard safety protocols were diligently followed to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew onboard.

Air India confirmed that the decision to divert the flight was made following a "specific security alert." The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety, stating that after the thorough inspection of the aircraft in Delhi, no suspicious items were discovered. "Flight AI119, operating from Mumbai to JFK (New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport) on October 14, was diverted to Delhi as a precautionary measure on the instructions of the government's security regulatory committee," an Air India spokesperson said. "All passengers have disembarked and are currently at the Delhi airport terminal."

The Boeing 777 aircraft, registered as VT-AER, took off from Mumbai at 2:27 am, approximately 50 minutes later than its scheduled departure of 1:40 am. The plane landed in Delhi about an hour and a half later. Passengers were instructed to deplane around 4:10 am but were asked to leave their luggage on board, leading to an extended waiting period in the terminal's holding area.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether the bomb threat was a hoax. However, should the threat be confirmed as unfounded, the aircraft will undergo a security inspection before being cleared for its journey to New York. This incident follows a concerning trend in recent months, as several Indian airlines have encountered similar fake bomb threats. For instance, on September 6, a Vistara flight from Mumbai to Frankfurt was diverted to Erzurum Airport in Turkey due to a bomb threat note discovered in a lavatory. This incident caused significant delays and inconveniences for the passengers.

Looking ahead, an Air India spokesperson has stated that the flight has been rescheduled for the morning of October 15. "We confirm that all 239 passengers and 19 crew members have disembarked and are currently undergoing security procedures. Refreshments have been provided, and our ground staff are ensuring that all passengers are cared for during this unexpected disruption," the spokesperson added. Additionally, passengers will be accommodated in hotels once security protocols are completed. Air India reassured everyone that the safety and security of its passengers and crew are their top priorities.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of security in air travel, as well as the vigilance required from both airlines and passengers in the face of potential threats.